Why I still write clean

On Sept 11 2012, I published a post entitled Why I Write Clean. By far, it’s been my most viewed and most commented on article since I began this blog. A while back, I disabled comments on my blog and changed my template. It looks like all but two comments were wiped out.

In case you don’t have time to click the link above, here is a quick excerpt:

A few years ago, I picked up a Stephen King novel (I can’t even remember what it was titled) and tried to read it. It was the first time I had the desire to read one of his books. There were so many F-bombs in the first two chapters that I just could not continue. I put it down and haven’t picked up one of his books since that day. Writing fiction is about telling a story, bringing characters to life, and entertaining the masses with a great novel. I get that, I truly do. And I know what the world is like and how ordinary people talk.

I still haven’t read a Stephen King novel. All of his books might not be as bad as the one I attempted to read, but I just haven’t had the desire to try again.

I understand how many authors want to keep their characters authentic and realistic, but I just don’t see the need for profanity-filled dialog. It’s not necessary.

If I wanted to sell a million copies of a novel, all I need to do is fill it with vulgar language, explicit sex scenes, and gory violence. That’s what the majority of people in the world are looking for. And I understand that. And please don’t take this as me trying to bash other authors who write in different genres. It’s not that at all. This is a personal choice, and a decision I made a long time ago.

As a Christian, I need to be set apart. Different. If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know I’m not talking about shunning everyone who isn’t a Christian or judging people for their beliefs. That is the complete opposite of how we’re to live as Christians. But, when we accept Christ into our life, something has to change.

And it’s not about trying to avoid sin and being a good Christian. When we truly deny ourselves and surrender everything we are, the change is just a by-product of sonship. We can’t help but change if Jesus is our focus and not self. Our minds are renewed on a daily basis through relationship with our Father. We can’t have good fruit until the tree is good.

This change in my life doesn’t just involve my writing. It’s about the things I watch, listen to, and participate in.

The trailer for American Sniper looks phenomenal, but I won’t go see it. Here is just one reason why. Plugged In is a great website to see reviews of movies. Here is the Crude or Profane language section for this movie:

About 100 f-words, nearly 40 s-words and scads of other swear words, including “a–,” “b–ch,” “h—,” “p—” and “d–k.” God’s name is misused a dozen times, more often than not combined with “d–n.” Jesus’ name is abused two or three times.

Sounds like it was a pretty easy script to write. Why would I want to sit through all of that? Just as it is with novels, vulgar language, sex scenes, and gory violence are unnecessary elements in order to make a great movie.

Philippians 4:8 says:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I’m supposed to be seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.

I believe too often we use the grace card as an excuse to indulge our flesh with activities that we wouldn’t participate in if Jesus was physically sitting right beside us. 

And I know God isn’t sitting up there rocking back and forth with both hands over His ears because people are swearing. If He’s shaken off the throne by that, we are in some serious trouble. But why would we want to fill our minds with garbage, when the Creator of the universe wants a relationship with us?

I know for a fact, people will label me as legalistic for some of the things I’ve written today, but that’s okay, because I know I’m not. And it’s none of my business what you want to watch, read, or listen to. You are the steward of your own heart just as I am of mine.

We answer to God for the things we do or don’t do, not man.

So, why do I still write clean? Because I am a new creature. When I became born again, the old things passed away and ALL things became new.