Monday Motivation: Write Fragrantly (But Don’t Stink)

Does your writing stink?

Let’s hope not, but it should carry a scent. And so should you.

II Corinthians 2:15 says: “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (New King James Version)

Best-selling author and worship leader Rachel Hauck referenced that verse last year during an American Christian Fiction Writers Conference workshop titled Revelation of Jesus in Fiction. The question was should the name of Christ show up in what we write?

Some authors weave lots of Scripture and talk about Jesus into their storylines. My Bash and the Pirate Pig series does this. I avoid preaching, but the kids talk about Jesus as if He’s part of their everyday lives—because He is.

I’ve been plotting a new series with different characters that has less “religion” talk in it. Yet, every chapter—at least in my rough drafts—opens with a verse from the Book of Proverbs. I like working God’s Word into what I write.

Other authors believe that it’s best to tell a good moral story and avoid “church talk.” C.S. Lewis wrote tons about the Bible and character of Christ without actually mentioning either in his Chronicles of Narnia series. You actually can write a godly book, fiction or nonfiction, without naming God.

Want proof? Pick up your Bible and count how many verses in the Book of Esther and in The Song of Solomon name God. I’ll give you a hint—it’s zero. His name is not there. But His aroma sure is.

In her workshop, Rachel suggested that if God gives us opportunity to write for the secular market, do so—but do so with the fragrance of Christ.

It’s like driving past the bakery or the doughnut shop, she said. It’s not the bright lights nor the words on the window. It’s the delicious aroma of freshly baked goodness that makes your mouth water and draws you in.

“Make them hungry for more. Carry the fragrance of Jesus into the secular market. Let God kick open those doors for you,” Rachel said. Whether you name Him or not in your writing, “Let the Jesus in you come out without your theological bias.”

That is, don’t preach what your church believes, or preach what your Uncle Walter says is the truth. Read your Bible. Get alone with God in prayer. Listen as the Holy Spirit instructs you.

Pray Daniel 1:17: “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

Ask God for wisdom and understanding. He invites you to do so. Seek him for skill in literature.

“Impact society with your story,” Rachel told us. “Come with the heart of Jesus.”

No, we don’t want our writing to stink. But we must let it carry the sweet fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. They need to know Him. The aroma of your story can invite them in to His goodness.