Sunday Devotion: Lies from the enemy to a writer

Janet Rubin

Who do you think you are? You’re pathetic. You don’t have anything to say that’s worth hearing.

You aren’t actually going to let people read that, are you? You know they’ll laugh, right? You’ll look like an idiot. People will think you are arrogant and foolish for even thinking they’d want to read your drivel.

Well, you went and did it—put your amateur ramblings out for all to see. Can you imagine what they are thinking about you? You should be embarrassed.

She told you your writing blessed her? She didn’t mean it. She just felt bad for you.

Those people liked it too? Well, just look at them! They wouldn’t know Shakespeare from Danielle Steele. Don’t feel too good about compliments from them.

Okay, you have a point. That fellow is pretty smart, and I don’t think he’d give an insincere compliment. In fact, I was wrong. You know…. You’re really something. Quite talented. Very, very special. Your readers are lucky to have you. The compliments are nice, aren’t they? Feels good to be noticed, admired. Why don’t you write something else so you can get more praise?

You are so wicked! Full of pride. I thought you were doing this for your precious savior. Seems to me you think it’s all about you. I bet God is disgusted with you. You’re a hypocrite—don’t even practice what you preach. You should turn in your pencil.

Excuse me, I hate to interrupt your writing, but I wanted to remind you of the laundry, the dust, your other responsibilities. You’re becoming quite a sloth. All this time spent being creative is pretty self-indulgent. Selfish, selfish, selfish.

Hey, hello! Listen to me. Quit that infernal singing. I’m trying to talk to you. [Curses under his vile breath]. Oh forget it, they never hear me when they’re praying. But, I’ll come back later. I’m getting tired though. She just keeps writing and writing, and even when her heart isn’t right; HE uses it for His kingdom. Ah, what’s that? Not another one thinking about putting his soul’s ponderings in print? Better get busy discouraging him…

Philipians 4:8 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.