Sunday Devotion- Ten Commandments for Writers #2

Janet Rubin

Deuteronomy 5:8-9 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them."

When God said not to make idols, I don’t think He only meant carved statues of false gods with funny names. He made a point of saying, “an idol in the form of anything.” He knew that anything could become an idol to us. We “make” things into idols when we let them control us, when we put them before God. As writers, we can easily become idol-worshippers if we aren’t careful.

The writing itself can become an idol. Let’s face it, the best way to improve our writing is to write. A lot. Every day if possible. We can become so focused on writing that God gets pushed to the backseat. Many days I’ve been guilty of starting my day off at the computer rather than in the Word. I am so anxious to get to the writing I want to do, that I don’t make time to talk to God and let Him talk to me. Or I squeeze in a five minute Bible speed-reading session, skimming Scripture while half my mind is still on my novel plot, then slapping my New King James shut before the words have a chance to sink in. After this sad excuse for a visit with my Savior, I spend hours intimately involved with imaginary people—my characters—trying to understand them, giving them my heart and soul and energy.

Our goals can become idols. What are you longing for? Publication? The best seller list? Book signings? Yeah, me too. And that’s fine as long as we can still say, “not my will, but Yours be done.” We must be careful not to let our goals become so important that we are willing to compromise to achieve them.

When we’re doing well with our writing, we receive praise from others—good reviews, compliments, attagirls(guys). The praise feels good. Real good. It can go right to our heads, satisfying like a drug we always want more of. As soon as our pride flares up, we become our own idols, walking around thinking, “Dang, I’m good.” We forget that the only reason we can write is because our Creator gave us the ability.

In this age of cyberspace, our computers can become idols—email and blogs and crit groups like addictions. This weekend I’m going away with my daughter for five days. All ready I’m worrying how I’ll function without access to email. Spiritually, I know this computer-fast will be good for me.

These are only a few examples; I’m sure there are more idols we writers kneel before. Ask God to show you if there are idols in your life.

Lord,
Nothing compares to You, and no one else is worthy of my praise. But I admit that sometimes I put other things before You. Please forgive me and help me to keep my priorities straight. You know the desires of my heart and I lay them in Your capable, loving hands. Have Your way in my life and in my writing future. I know You have good plans for my and I worship only You.
Amen