Writing Like Jesus
By Robert (Bob) W. Jones

Jesus never wrote 140 characters let alone a book. He is called “The Word” but not because he was a wordsmith. The only words ever recognized as writings of Jesus were never recorded because they were written in the dirt beside a woman accused of adultery.

Jesus was a teacher and a man of action. He let miracles his do his talking for him. What does writing have to do with “being like Jesus?” Everything.

No single thing has had more influence on western literature and culture in the past thousand years than Christianity. Open most books and you’ll find a Christian idea somewhere on the pages. Those filling the pages have been martyrs, saints, scholars, politicians, missionaries, preachers and teachers.

Christian writing has been read in catacombs, monasteries, churches, halls of higher learning and subways. The writings have incited revolutions, sparked reform and delivered healing and hope.

Ruth Thorogood, Executive Director of The Word Guild, observes, “Christian writers armed with their relationship with God, a merciful voice and a balanced perspective on issues are able to extend the reach of the Church out into the stream of the information society.”

Writers like Sarah E. Ball carry on a ministry described by the Psalmist as “_He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20 _ (NIV) Sarah started writing when she was tormented by anxiety and depression. She writes as a catalyst of deliverance for others who suffer from mental illness.

Sherry Stahl’s writing mission is “to get people interested in, excited about, and studying God’s life-giving Word. I’ve been privileged to have my book, Water in the Desert, used in places where I can’t go. This past Christmas my book went into prison.”

I write to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus and discover their life purpose.

Writing like Jesus is:

• W itness – Writers risk vulnerability to show what faith looks like in the flesh. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes,” John 1:14 (MSG)
  
• R evelation – Writers offer the gift of perspective that creates a hunger for God. “You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.” Matthew 5:13 (MSG)
  
• I llumination – Writers create a light so others can see. “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand.” Matthew 5:14 (MSG)
  
• T ransformation – Writers share freely so that others can become free. “Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (MSG)
  
• E stablish – Writers elucidate and educate to establish a foundation of faith. “…rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught…” Colossians 2:14 (NKJV)
  
  Have you been called by God to write and to write consistently?
  
  Has God placed a burden on your heart to pour yourself into a blank page?
  
  Have you committed to losing yourself in the act of writing, for ministering to other people through your written words?
  
  Extend the reach of Jesus and write on.

About this Contributor:

• Rev. Robert (Bob) W. Jones ** is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls at North Pointe Church in Edmonton are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He writes to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus and discover their life purpose.