Expression's Great Destroyer

As a writer, I realize that Insight is the soul of writing. I must have it if I am going to communicate something worthy of reading. It helps me do my job of organizing Life into words for those who cannot verbalize Life as easily. It helps me stimulate the reader to think new thoughts, or to think old ones more deeply. It allows me to share unique reflections of reality. It also presents a great opportunity for Pride to take root.

My prayer to God is that He keeps me from ever seeking my own glory in the area of Insight. I've lived long enough to suspect that I see and think things that are unique to me, and many of these things I cannot describe in words. To me, they're wonderful hints at Heaven and tastes of unimaginable pieces of infinity. Perhaps they're God's way of uniquely and personally ministering to my soul. Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, has really helped me better understand these thoughts and feelings and inklings, which I've had all my life.

In order for my prayer to be effective, I must not forget that any ability or insight I have is God's undeserved gift to me. If I'm honest with myself, and if I search deeply enough, I can find evidence of the subtle pride that makes me take pleasure in thinking that I'm "in-tune" or smarter than others. I ask God to forgive me of that pride, and to remind me that there are many smarter, more in-tune people out there. In fact, each person on this planet has abilities, thoughts, and insights that I do not—many of them probably just don't feel the need to write about it! I am nothing special, and yet I've noticed that a big temptation writers and intellectual types face is the temptation to think they are profound. It's good to remember that God educates and exalts the humble, and brings low the proud. I believe the Lord set up a great irony in that at the very moment anyone takes pride in their gift, that gift diminishes.

What I pray is that I can use my gifts and insights to humbly yet passionately express what God has allowed me to see, for His glory and for our enjoyment. We are all gifted in different ways and deficient in others. That's why we need each other. I never want to think of myself as being needed more than anyone else. My desire is to gladly and humbly enjoy the privilege of doing my part in reflecting God's glory, and to enjoy other people's parts even more than my own.