President John F. Kennedy inspired American patriotism in his inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
As a Christian writer, I’ve asked myself a similar question at times: What can I do for God?
I’ve tried to do the things that I thought pleased God, but my good deeds never seemed to be enough when compared to the standards set before me.
So, I sought answers to my question from biblical examples of those who sought God’s approval and blessings.
King David experienced a change of focus when he sought spiritual counsel concerning his desire to please God by building a house for Him (2 Sam. 7:2). But God planned to build a house for David and establish his kingdom, and He chose David’s son to build a house for His Name.
The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you … I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, … He is the one who will build a house for my Name … Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever’ (11-16).
Humbled by God’s blessings, David received his inheritance with gratitude (18-24).
Jesus’ disciples also wanted to please God. And when they asked Jesus to show them the way to heaven, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (Jn. 14:6).
What can we do for God that will please Him?
Accept God’s gift of eternal life. When we focus on our religious activities and good works, we overlook God’s promised gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8 NIV).
Seek God first. Matthew 6 encourages us to seek God first every day. As we observe God at work around us, He promises to reveal His plans for us.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Mt. 6:33-34 MSG)
Focus on God’s blessings. God also promises His spiritual inheritance to all Christ-followers.
… When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Eph. 1:13-14 NIV)
As I choose to focus on God and His blessings, my motivation for serving Him changes. Plus, I no longer depend upon the approval of others, and I avoid prideful boasting, a major stumbling block for Christian writers.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Heb. 12:1-2)
What important questions do you ask yourself as a Christian writer?
WordServe Water Cooler 
Biggest question as I write my book and my blog posts is “do these words show His Glory?” All the glory and honor be to Him, above all else!! Great post today. Thank you!
Amen. I trust God will bless your projects with that motivation. And thank you so much for your encouraging comment.
This was a wonderful post Karen. My Bible Study group just last week was offering encouragement as I finish the last two chapters of my book and we all prayed that my words would glorify God. The book has taken much longer to write than I thought, but I’ve started each day with His Word in front of me and sometimes that Word has caused me to take out characters and re-write chapters as He guides the pen in my hand.
Thanks so much, Glenda. If you only knew how long my book projects have been in the works now … I trust we will both finish in God’s timing. Right?
With all of the pressures, concerns, and counsel coming at writers today, your reminder to listen to the voice of God is timely. Thank you for reminding us that no one can predict our future, except the One who created it.
It’s difficult to tune out all the voices around us to focus on His Voice, isn’t it. I’m trusting my future in His hands now, before I do any more damage! Thank you for your encouragement, too.
Thank your for this thought provoking post, Karen. God bless,
My pleasure, Pat. Blessings back to you!
Thank you for the words of encouragement, not just for writing, but for life. I’ve been in the dumps lately over my life. The pity party is grand and filled with black balloons. I needed to be reminded of God’s provision for everything, even my particular circumstance.
I totally relate to the pity parties! And I pray you hold on to all of God’s promises. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Blessings to you, friend!
My biggest question: Am I writing this to bring glory to God, or glory to myself?
Great post!
Thanks so much, Isabella! I hope I always stop and ask myself that question with every project.