Write It Down

The Lord told John, "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later" (Revelation 1:19). Though readers have struggled to understand every detail of the Bible's final book, Revelation has been a source of encouragement and hope to generations of believers.

Writing meant a lot to John, as the many words attributed to him in the New Testament attest. John had a passion to write: "These are written that you may believe" (John 20:31). He had a passion to write about Jesus: "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and . . . by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). He had plenty to write because Jesus did many other things as well. As John said, "If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (John 21:25). And the Lord gave him power to write: "He placed his right hand on me and said, 'Do not be afraid'" (Revelation 1:17).

The Power of the Written Word

You may not think of yourself as a writer, but I urge you to write down your thoughts anyway. The Bible says, "How good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23). Writing changes lives.

It can change you. When he loves a special woman, even a quiet, unemotional man will find the words to write a letter or card to his beloved. Students write book reports and research papers because they learn by expressing ideas in their own words. Many Christians find that a prayer journal helps them verbalize their praise, thanksgiving, and requests to God.

Writing touches your readers. By writing a well-reasoned letter to the editor of your local newspaper, you can speak a good word for Christ in a public forum. If you engage in an e-mail dialogue with a non-Christian friend, you can show her "the reason for the hope that you have" with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

Writing can even influence your readers in the future—some you know, and others known only to God. There's a wonderful (and fearful) permanence about writing. Years from now, even after I die, the letters I have written to friends and family will still speak for me. I want to leave behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love—a storehouse of encouraging words that are "helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29). If you are a parent, a grandparent, or a church leader, never underestimate the power of your spoken and written words to teach, inspire, correct, and encourage those who look up to you.

Put It in Writing

Only a few authors write for a living, but all of us can make writing part of our lives. Here are two suggestions.

1. Write a personal mission statement. No one else needs to see it except you and the Lord. Compose it during your daily devotions, or take a day or two for a spiritual retreat focused on this project. Put on paper your core values, the deeply-held convictions that guide your life. Write down some of the unshakable truths you believe about the Lord and his Word, about salvation and the church, about your spiritual gifts and the purpose God wants you to fulfill in your lifetime. A written mission statement will clarify your priorities as a parent, spouse, and friend, and provide added discernment when you make decisions about your career and your service to the Lord.
2. Write notes of encouragement to others. One minister regularly spends the last 15 minutes of his work day writing notes of appreciation to people in the church—an uplifting gift to them and a way for him to end his day on a positive note. In 1977, a few years before he died, my grandfather wrote me a letter of encouragement that I still treasure. Every time I read his words, I can almost hear his bass voice and feel his arm around my shoulders.

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). In all probability God has given you some unique jewels of wisdom and insight. Do yourself and others a favor: Write them down.