When Can I Call Myself a Writer?

“I wouldn’t call myself a writer. I’ve never been published.”

How often have I heard someone ask that question? I used to ask it myself until I understood something about my relationship with my skills and with Jesus.

How do we know the singers in our churches– because they have recording contracts? No, it’s because they sing. How do we know the golfers in our neighborhood– because they’re on the PGA tour? No, it’s because they golf.

When I surrendered my life to Jesus, I gave Him everything, including my ability to put words into sentences.

I was a writer when I was writing notes to encourage people in my church. I was a writer when I wrote down the gospel for my father so he could read it when he started to doubt his salvation. And I was a writer when I was blogging for 30 people for no pay.

Release yourself from the dilemma.

Peter wasn’t a writer, he was a fisherman. Luke wasn’t a writer, he was a doctor. James wasn’t a writer, he was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. John wasn’t a writer, he was also a fisherman.

Surrender all your skills to Jesus and be willing to write as a person loved by God, not as a “writer.” Do what He puts in front of you to do. If it’s writing, He’s equipped you to do it.