Words of Excellence

Guest post by Stephanie Rodda

I am so thankful for the opportunity to remind myself and encourage others to recognize the great privilege of being called to write. May we be faithful to answser that call with excellence. This article gives you an overview of the book that is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mNLdHc

Words of Excellence: Embracing the Call to Christian Writing

Christian writing is more than stringing sentences together—it’s a divine calling that combines creativity, conviction, and spiritual discipline. Whether through articles, books, blogs, or devotionals, the Christian writer acts as both a communicator and a vessel, offering words that carry truth, hope, and light to a world longing for all three.

The journey isn’t always easy. It requires faithfulness, focus, and resilience. But for those who feel called to write for God’s glory, the honors the Giver of all words and truth.

Writing with Purpose: Answering God’s Call

Christian writing begins with purpose. It’s not just about expressing thoughts or documenting experiences—it’s about advancing the Kingdom. Every word we write can become an offering to the Lord and a tool for transformation in the hands of the reader.

Paul’s reminder in Colossians 3 to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” challenges us to view our writing as ministry. This means crafting our words with sincerity, integrity, and excellence—not for applause, but for impact.

Whether you’re writing devotions, curriculum, stories, or testimonies, your aim is the same: to reflect Christ. When our writing begins with the question, “How does this glorify God?” we are on holy ground.

Maintaining Momentum: The Journey of Growth

The call to write is not a one-time act; it’s a journey filled with highs and lows. There will be moments of joy and clarity but also seasons of dryness and doubt. Writers often wrestle with procrastination, fear of failure, or discouragement of feeling invisible.

We are encouraged in Proverbs to “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” That kind of trust becomes the anchor for a writing life. Progress may come slowly, but the fruit of persistence will bloom in its season.

Growth as a writer doesn’t mean every piece gets published or praised—it means becoming more disciplined, more spiritually attuned, and more willing to be refined by the One who called us.

Writing, like fishing, often demands quiet persistence, patient waiting, and unwavering hope. I was reminded of this truth through my childhood summers spent with my grandmother—a remarkable fisherwoman. She never let tangled lines, empty hooks, or uncooperative fish discourage her. If the fish weren’t biting, she’d adjust her hook, move to a different spot, or try new bait. But she never packed up her gear. She kept casting her line, believing the right catch would come in time.

In much the same way, the Christian writer learns to persevere. Not every word finds a reader immediately. Not every message is received as we hope. Sometimes, the results feel invisible. But our task is not to give up—it’s to stay faithful. We shift our approach, wait on God’s timing, and trust that even “missed catches” serve a greater purpose. My grandmother used to say, “Every fisherman has his sweet spot—he just has to find it and stay true to it.” That’s what we’re called to do as writers: find the spot God has given us, and remain faithful there.

Jesus’ words to Simon—“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people”—resonate deeply with those who cast their words to reach hearts. We don’t always know when or how the catch will come, but we do know Who sends us out to fish.

Rearranging the Furniture: Letting the Holy Spirit Lead

There are times in our writing life when everything feels out of place. Just as waking up to find your household furniture rearranged would disrupt your rhythm, internal disorder can interrupt our creative flow. Misaligned priorities, distractions, or even spiritual clutter can cloud our calling.

That’s why we need to invite the Holy Spirit to “rearrange the furniture of our hearts.” Let Him declutter what’s unnecessary, reposition what’s misaligned, and cleanse what’s been hidden. Before we write words of truth, we need to live in truth ourselves.

The psalmist’s prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” becomes a daily plea. The clean heart and renewed spirit aren’t just prerequisites for holy living—they’re essential for holy writing. When the Spirit brings order to our inner world, our external work begins to reflect divine purpose and clarity.

Fueling the Writer’s Soul: Embracing Spiritual Disciplines

If the well is dry, the words won’t flow. Writers must care for their souls as much as they care for their syntax. Time spent in prayer, silence, worship, and Scripture study isn’t time away from writing, it is the essential groundwork for powerful writing.

Jesus taught His disciples, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father… who sees what is done in secret.” This kind of private spiritual communion fuels public ministry, including the ministry of words.

When we quiet the noise and meet with God, He fills us with words worth sharing. This intimacy gives depth to our messages and infuses our writing with authority and anointing. The most impactful writing comes from spiritually full writers, not frantic, hurried ones. Protect your quiet time. Guard your heart. Your communion with God is your most vital source of creativity and truth.

Serving with Excellence: Offering Our Best to God

Excellence in Christian writing isn’t about perfect grammar or bestseller lists. It’s about writing with integrity, clarity, and deep respect for God’s Word and the people we serve.

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception… On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves.” That’s our model. We’re not here to impress—we’re here to be faithful.

God deserves our best, and so do our readers. Writing with excellence means checking our facts, revising our drafts, praying over our ideas, and submitting our work to accountability. We don’t manipulate the truth to suit trends. We write clearly and honestly, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the convincing.

A Sacred Journey

The life of a Christian writer is one of purpose, patience, and pursuit of God. Whether you’re just beginning or decades into the journey, remember this: Your words matter. Your calling is holy. Your obedience will bear fruit in ways you may never fully see.

So, keep writing. Keep praying. Keep casting your line—because God still calls His people to fish for souls using the words He gives.

STEPHANIE RODDA lives life large. She takes great joy in encouraging others to pursue their God-given callings and dreams, especially when it relates to word-weaving. As a fellow sojourner, she relates easily to those who are still in the process of discovering possibilities in the writing world. Her favorite subjects to write and speak about are faith and family. She is a support staff member of the SCWC, workshop leader, inspirational speaker, devotional and freelance writer, and author.