Christians in the Marketplace

Why did I feel the need to mention Jesus on my homepage?

I recognize this may be off-putting to some people. But in this crazy world where listing one’s pronouns in all correspondence has become the norm, I figure, “Let’s get it right out there. This is where I stand.”

So what does it mean to be a Christian in the marketplace?

It means that I recognize that people come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and that I want to engage with them in an atmosphere of tolerance. However, tolerance is not the same thing as affirmation.

I don’t believe that I need to hide my faith, cloaking it in a wishy-washy “goodness.”

I’d like to have the opportunity to share my worldview, just as I am willing to listen respectfully to others’ views. I will demonstrate Jesus’ love to everyone, not just those who share my beliefs.

It means I will integrate my faith into my writing. Sometimes overtly through sharing Scripture. But not always blatantly, slapping some moral on a story. Sometimes by shining the light of Jesus’ love and compassion through the behavior of one of my characters (kindness, patience, empathy), or the way they seek to remedy a problem, or by the natural consequences that result from sin.

I choose to try to reflect God’s character in everything, whether overtly or covertly. First by endeavoring to write well. Second, by displaying Truth, even in dark stories. We live in a fallen world. Bad things happen. But God is sovereign and, in the end, He wins. Satan distorts the Truth.

God has given me the ability to communicate through writing. I choose to use it for His glory, to be salt and light in the world.

Wholesome stories help reset what is normal.

One of the reasons I decided to self-publish is I don’t believe I can participate in much of what passes for children’s literature. Rather than proclaiming Truth and lifting up the good, many books written for children today celebrate falsehood and make light of evil.

I always thought it odd for parents to say about their child’s reading material, “Well, at least she’s reading.” That’s like saying about a kid’s refusal to eat healthful food, “Well, at least she’s eating,” even if it’s only chicken nuggets and Cheetos. Just as you train your child’s palate to enjoy good food by providing a variety of delicious, nutrient-dense meals, you train your child to enjoy putting good things into his mind by offering interesting, high-quality reading materials. Not that all reading has to be heavy; even light reading can shine the light of truth.

Stories that demonstrate joy, peace, courage, humility, kindness, perseverance, hope, creativity, mercy and grace are showing God, even if God’s name is never mentioned. There is a hunger for Truth in writing.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.