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The Scribal Anointing
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Theresa H. Johnson
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Theresa H. Johnson
Spiritually Critiquing
Literary Works
Theresa H. Johnson
WHAT VOICE IS COMING BEHIND YOUR WRITING?
©
Copyright 20075 Theresa Harvard Johnson
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In the ministry of writing - whether you are a creative writer, an
administrative writer or a writer of instruction - there must be a level
of balance as well as maturity in the things of God. If you want to
offend a writer beyond approach --- all you have to do is provide some
form of "constructive" criticism.
I've seen MANY walk in offense in this area. This isn't good. In fact,
I've learned that if you find yourself in offense when a person
critiques you --- don't become angry, act like a child and run off. Take
the time to consider their comments, ask questions and then always be in
a place of "wanting to get better" -- not thinking that you have already
arrived at "being the best."
This is especially a problem with believers. Why? Because not only are
you critiquing the integrity of the written piece; but you are
questioning the application of their foundational belief in God. You are
looking at that piece of writing to see if it reflects the philosophies
and ideologies of Jesus Christ.
So at some point, we must thicken our skin and encourage critiquing.
Even the prophetic words we receive need tempering sometimes. We have to
go back and say, "Lord, you gave me this, but do you want me to say it
EXACTLY like you gave it to me? Sometimes, he'll say yes ...and other
times he may have you revise your work or change the word despise
to dislike or the word "whore" to "prostitute."
Many believe they are "skilled" because of the response they get from
men when they present their work. It is imperative to understand that
being "skilled" in the eyes of God INVOLVES so much more than that! It
is a privilege and an honor to speak "the heart of God." For that gift
alone, we should be thankful. We should also be thankful for an
opportunity to release truth to others -- not self righteous, proud and
judgmental. These are characteristics that the scribes Jesus rebuked
walked in.
Did you know that whenever we recite poetry, release our short stories
or complete anything in writing that those things should always "honor"
God and lead other back into the "presence" of God. If it doesn't do
those things, then you have to ask yourself, "Did I write this or did
the Lord give these things to me?" Also ask yourself this question when
you deliver your writing before audiences, "What is the condition of my
heart? Am I angry? Self Righteous? Jealous? Intimidated?"
Consider this scenario:
My husband and I went to a local restaurant and really enjoyed the food.
The staff was courteous, the restaurant looked clean, and we knew that
at some point, we would come back again and perhaps bring friends. The
very next day, there was a news broadcast on restaurants that were at
risk of being shut down because of unsanitary conditions in the food
storage and preparation areas. They showed photos of rodent droppings in
common places, and rodents walking casually across counter tops in the
rear. They showed open food containers, and so forth. I was upset to say
the least. Yes, we looked at the health rating on the wall by the cash
register. The score was good. But between that inspection and now -
things had changed. Without knowing it, my husband and I could have been
poisoned by contaminated food. The outer appearance of the cafeteria
area of the restaurant and the polite service of the staff "fooled" us.
Now consider this in the spirit, how many believers are there who look
and walk the part. They present the excellent "performance" of gifts.
But when they are behind closed doors where no one can see, their lives
tell a different story. In the spirit realm, it's the story "behind" the
closed doors that contaminate the unsuspecting. While they may look and
sound good, the negative things going on in their hearts are searching
for an open door in the lives of the believers they are imparting into.
The effect is no different from the effect of filth in a restaurant. If
you're exposed to this type of ministry too long -- the strongholds the
minister is dealing with will transfer to you.
Earnestly, what is the condition of your mind when you go forth in
ministry. This is important because the SCRIPTURES say that when we go
forth, we must have thanksgiving and gratitude in our hearts to God?
Colossians 3:16 says, "When we teach and counsel one another with all
wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God."
Father, let them read this ...and hear me in the spirit realm. Let it
permeate their hearts and bring clarity and understanding. In Jesus'
Name.
As "prophetic" writers, the things we write will always "teach" and
"counsel" others in wisdom. Why? When God speaks to us, he ALWAYS speaks
to us WITH wisdom and in counsel. Sometimes we forget that. When we
present ourselves to others with our writing -- we are doing so to make
disciples, to encourage them in the things of God, to bring salvation or
to bring instruction.
Skill is not always a "TECHNIQUE" ... or "EXCELLENCE" in the sense of
perfecting one's natural skill. In the eyes of God, skill is having an
"EXCELLENT SPIRIT" -- and with that excellent spirit comes the desire to
present things to God AND his people that are pleasing and acceptable in
his sight ....
The scribes Jesus rebuked missed this. They used God's word to "ESTEEM"
themselves -- not him. They taught and counseled others out of their own
righteousness, not the righteousness of God. They presented themselves
to others as an opportunity to "show up the sins of others" not out of
an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for an opportunity of
repentance ....and salvation ....and mercy ....
What Spirit is behind YOUR writing? Have you ever chosen to read a piece
a poetry because "you believed" someone or some group needed to be
rebuked? Or did you choose the high road and read it because the heart
of God inside you had a desire to see his people restored? Believe it or
not ... when we share and minister to others, all of this is exposed as
we stand there ...
1 Chronicles 15:22 says, "Chenaniah, the head Levite was in charge of
the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it."
Chenaniah has an "EXCELLENT SPIRIT." His motives were correct. As a
result, God could trust him to usher in the Holy Spirit. His skill was
on a "spiritual" level. Take a look at this ...
2 King 3:15 says, "But now bring me a musician. Then it happened, when
the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him."
I ask you today, are you skilled in the things of God? What spirit is
REALLY behind your voice?