Priestly Pens: Encouragement for Christian WritersSample

Why Priestly Pens?

On numerous occasions throughout scripture, believers are referred to as “priests.” Here are a few notable references:

“He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God His Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:6 NLT)

“And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10 NLT)

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Before Jesus came onto the scene, only a select few were appointed as priests to offer sacrifices and perform other sacred duties. These priests devoted their lives to serving God in this way.

After Jesus became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, He opened the door for anyone to become Kingdom priests and devote their lives completely to serving Him. For many of us, part of that service includes the words we write. It’s why we like referring to Christian writers as “priestly pens.” Imagine the Author of life partnering with you and me (the pens) to write words that impact others now and into eternity.

Why Do We Feel Compelled to Write?

As Kingdom writers, we have this compulsion to write words that honor our King. And this compelling is given to us by that same King,

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT)

Who is working in us? God is working in us. Who gives us the desire to write? God gives us that desire. Who gives us the power to write words that will outlive us? God alone gives us that power. He’ll always supply the resources we need when we aim to please Him.

Being a priestly pen is part of the calling God has in mind for your life.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

The Greek word for “good things” or works is ergon, which means “any product whatever, anything accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind.”

This includes our writing in various forms that God inspires in and through us!

Our lives have a fresh and unique calling after surrendering to Jesus. Our writing takes on a much deeper meaning.

God Uses It All

God doesn’t waste one thread of our lives. Everything – the good, bad, and ugly – is being redeemed as Romans 8:28 confirms:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Emphasis mine)

Joni Eareckson Tada, an author and artist, was paralyzed in a swimming accident at age 17. She said, “If God seems to be writing an unusual story in your life, don’t resist His penmanship on the pages of your days.”

With all the twists, turns, and rabbit trails, our lives produce a thrilling adventure with Jesus as the central character woven into every fabric. Any good story has ups and downs, drama, plot twists, mystery, and action. God is directing it all. He’s the Writer of the script!

One of our favorite verses in scripture is Psalm 45:1 –

“Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.” (NLT)

As we’re yielded completely to the Lord, our lives become like pens in the hand of the Skillful Poet - the Author of life.

Think of all the “pens” God has used through the ages to write His grand story. How many people have been impacted by written words?

Friend, you are one of those pens. God wants to use your life to write words that live on as a legacy of His work in and through you.

Are you ready to allow God’s Spirit to flow through you like a fountain pen that’s been filled and refilled with fresh ink?

It’s our prayer that these three days will encourage you to continue being one of God’s chosen priestly pens!