A Valuable Lesson

I've learned a valuable lesson on what it takes to affect people with kindness and emulate the example of our King.

I've been prayerfully considering how I can impact the most people in the kingdom, as well as secular folks. It can't be by forcefully shoving my views down someone's throat.

We should strive to be the same example as Jesus, rather than being preachy. This works if you're a minister or if you're already among the faithful. But most people don't want to just be preached to. They will want to see an example and perhaps Jesus in you in the way you live your life.

Then, out of their own free will, they can choose to serve the Father of Lights. We can't make anyone believe it. Our job is to care for the disadvantaged, disabled, and others in our community.

Notice that when Jesus taught, He used examples in parables and stories to teach spiritual truths. He didn't go around forcing people to accept Him and the commandments.

As a writer, this makes so much sense to me. My first novel was quite blatant. I wrote it for a Christian audience instead of all minds. It would come across as "preachy" and heavy-handed to someone who isn't as far in that walk or outside of it.

I had some time to reflect on Yom Kippur and during these Fall Feasts. I had some prayerful confirmations about a few things I've been wondering about for months now.

I'm here to tell stories and to tell them the best way I can. Not to shove ideologies down anyone's throats. But to give voice to many perspectives and to write characters from all walks of life and philosophies, even ones antithetical to mine.

I feel my prayers have been answered as to how to approach my art and my life. Tell good stories that people actually want to read, and do my best. Increase the gift I've been given and inspire people while entertaining them.

The thing is, I'm not ashamed of Jesus and His words. He gets the glory for however far I go or don't go. But to impact people from all walks of life, I must use my gifts wisely and appeal to all viewpoints.

It's what I'm here for. Only the King has the right to absolute rule, and His word is law, not mine.