Polished prose often misses the mark, we need to remember how Paul fought that problem vigorously. I did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Cor 2:1-5 MEV

I was reminded of this today while reading a new post from J. Lee Grady’s blog, Fire in my bones. He has consistently nailed me where it’s supposed to hurt. I rely upon Him for insightful commentary. He was talking about public speaking, but the same applies to public writing.

Polished prose often misses the mark, leaving readers empty

Let’s apply what Lee said to our fiction. Thinking about your latest book: “A lot of preaching writing today is slick and orchestrated. But sometimes, after the applause book is read, we realize it was just a bunch of ear mind candy. What we need in today’s pulpits Christian fiction is less scripted sparkle and more raw, honest, tear-stained pleas from broken men and women who are aflame with the Holy Spirit. It is only the Spirit’s power that can flatten the devil’s stronghold—not rehearsed one-liners, high-definition microphones, designer jeans, expensive sneakers or cool graphics on big screens perfectly constructed plots, characters, tension, conflict, and precise genre placement.

I’m looking for fiction which touches me, edifies me, changes my life. Once the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is over, that’s all that will remain. Your fiction matters to Jesus, right?