The Power of the Written Word

I recently had the privilege of hearing Elmer Towns talk about the importance of writing. If anyone has credibility on this topic, it would be him, as he has authored over 170 books. He made a couple of statements that really stood out to me. As a 91-year-old, he still has a strong desire to write. He said, “My life will be extended in my writings.”  Only God knows the true impact he has made through all his writings. The second statement that really stood out to me was that your writing will speak to other people what God has spoken to you. As I have reflected on this topic, I have been challenged to increase my discipline in writing, and maybe you should consider it, too. 

Your writing will speak to other people what God has spoken to you.

From ancient hieroglyphics to modern literature, writing has allowed us to capture and preserve knowledge, share stories, and inspire generations. Writing is a remarkable tool that allows us to express our innermost thoughts, convey messages, and communicate with others. Its power lies not only in its ability to put words together in sentences but, more importantly, in its potential to transform lives. As Christians, we can look to the writings of God and find great inspiration from Scripture, highlighting the importance of writing and its impact on our spiritual journey. So, let’s look at a few Bible verses that talk about the significance of writing and how that can impact our lives. 

1. Writing Allows Me to Reflect on My Spiritual Journey

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia. Revelation 1:11

And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

In the book of Revelation, God instructs John to write down His divine messages. This speaks to the deep significance of recording and preserving our spiritual insights. Writing allows us to capture our thoughts, reflections, and experiences, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on God’s work in our lives and gain a clearer understanding of our spiritual journey. 

2. Writing Strengthens My Relationship with God

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. I John 5:13

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17

Through writing, we can deepen our connection with God. By writing down what He is teaching me and the experiences He is allowing me to go through, I can be assured of His presence and adjust my life to His divine purpose. Writing not only strengthens my faith but also serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, even in times of doubt or struggle. 

Writing not only strengthens my faith but also serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness.

3. Writing Allows Me to Clarify My Thoughts and Direction

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Writing allows us to delve deeper into our thoughts, emotions, and innermost desires. Writing allows us to articulate our thoughts and ideas with precision. Consistent journaling is a discipline that can help us stay focused and remind us of God’s work in our lives. By putting pen to paper, we invite God’s transformative power into our lives, allowing Him to mold and guide us.

4. Writing Encouraging Others

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Writing is not limited to personal reflections; it can also be used to encourage and build up others. Through our writings, we can influence those who read our words. Whether through text messages, handwritten cards, emails, or blog posts, we can bring comfort, inspiration, and hope to others by sharing our faith and spiritual journey. God will oftentimes use a simple, encouraging word to change the trajectory of a person’s day. 

God will oftentimes use a simple, encouraging word to change the trajectory of a person’s day. 

5. Writing Leaves a Legacy

⁶ And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Writing serves as a testament to future generations. By penning down our faith, values, and experiences, we create a legacy that can inspire and guide our children, grandchildren, and even beyond. Our written words can encapsulate the wisdom gained over a lifetime, ensuring that our spiritual insights and teachings continue to impact others long after we are gone. In the first church where I served as a senior pastor, there was a lady who made it a consistent practice to write hand-written letters to her grandchildren. She did this from the time they were infants. Her reason for doing so was that she wanted her grandchildren to see in her own handwriting the love she had for them, the love she had for God, and most importantly, the love that God had for them. 

Each of us who have a relationship with Jesus Christ has a story to tell.

Incorporating writing into our lives as Christians can be a truly transformative practice. Not only does it strengthen our relationship with God and help us grow spiritually, but it also blesses others and leaves a lasting legacy. Through writing, we have the power to inspire and encourage. Though not many will ever publish a book, each of us who have a relationship with Jesus Christ has a story to tell. Would you consider taking the challenge to begin writing? Begin small. Write a sentence or two reflecting on your day and God’s work in your life. Move on to intentionally encouraging others in their walk with Christ. You might just be surprised at what God does as you echo His love and grace.