(Proverbs 25:11, NASB).
Words reach into far places. And as Christian writers, we aim to impact people’s lives with our words. We can achieve a more significant influence by implementing the following three practices:
BE AUTHENTIC
It can be tempting to limit our writing to all things favorable, but we should open up about our struggles from time to time. Life includes the not-so-great, and occasionally we behave not-so-great. Let’s just be real.
Authenticity also looks different for each person, so we shouldn’t seek to adopt another writer’s pattern. Some excel at sharing their innermost feelings while others practice caution in this area for worthy reasons. Various writers pen truth in an ultra-direct way as opposed to those who craft gentler messages.
Each type of writer appeals to certain readers. The point is, Be. You. God has gifted each of us uniquely to impact the audience He brings our way.
BE DILIGENT
Writers are creatives, yet a lack of diligence can accompany this blessing. Jumping from one activity to the next doesn’t bode well for writers. Rather, we must write through all of life’s adventures.
Instead of carrying out the ‘tyranny of the urgent,’ let’s look ahead with wisdom. Choose a writing routine that works best for you as well as your family… and stick to it.
By planning a doable schedule, we’ll experience encouraging results. We’ll find we work more efficiently while producing consistent content. Focusing on our God-given projects along with our commitments will benefit all.
Let’s attend to the writing opportunities God provides—whether blogging, composing articles, authoring a book, and/or other endeavors—with diligence.
PRAY AFTER POSTING
I’m unsure why this practice can easily elude us. Perhaps we underestimate the impact prayer plays in reaching others, or maybe we’re so excited to share each blog post/links to our work that we simply forget to pray. Yet I’m convinced our prayers contain tremendous power.
God provides each word we write. He also directs readers to our material. He hears us when we ask Him to use our words for His purposes, and He answers according to His will. All of this is pretty amazing. Let’s be faithful to pray after we post, knowing God holds a plan for each message.
By being authentic and diligent, and praying after posting, we can eternally impact our readers. Every step toward this goal is noteworthy.
Which of these three ways resonates with you the most?
Note: A previous version of “Three Ways to Increase Your Impact” first appeared on July 3, 2018 at www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com.
Consider three ways your words can significantly influence others for Christ. @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritingCommunity #Impact #SeriouslyWrite #writeauthentically
Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares Devotions for Women videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016. Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.
Connect with Emily:
www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
YouTube
Alcanzando la Justicia
