Copyright 2016 Theresa Harvard Johnson
Sometimes the desire to be still and write can be so overwhelming for the prophetic writer that other responsibilities are easily neglected. Some days, it is obvious that it is Holy Spirit leading the writer into the chamber of the scribe to write, research, develop, etc.; but more times than not, it is often THE WRITER longing to be alone with the pen to scribe. Trust me, I know. Is this a problem?
Well, it can be.
When Holy Spirit calls a writer into the chamber of the scribe, those critical responsibilities will not suffer to the point of dire neglect. The other demands that “need to get done” to order your life will not go unattended… or neglected on a continuous, unrestrained basis. Holy Spirit works in order… and preparation will be made to take care of those “necessary things” so that nothing is lost. When we are “making the decision”… to enter the chamber of the scribe, sometimes we neglect those duties (and here rests the problem).
When writers fail to identify and discern direction from Holy Spirit, religious incubators can form where we give Holy Spirit credit for our own, selfish inner longings and passion for the calling… and then force them on people who are expecting us to meet our obligations. Listen, it’s okay to “exit the room” when HE CALLS… because there is great grace for spirit-led living… even for the writer. But it is not okay to let marriage, family, ministry, etc. suffer…. or to call in on your job with a lie (instead of taking a vacation day)… to stay home and write. YES, writer’s (and I’m sure other artists) have had these tendencies.
As passionate, prophetic writers, we grow into learning how to pace ourselves without blindly neglecting the world around us. This issue of scribal stewardship (especially in the midst of marriage and family) is intense. There’s no need to neglect your hungry children, your spouse… or friendships day-in-and-day-out to write. There are times for everything — including scribal incubation periods.
If family complains of never seeing you (because you are locked away all the time) or if your other significant relationships are suffering, then it may be a sign that you are idolizing or worshipping the gift. Holy Spirit intervention may be needed to turn the heart back toward God… and what truly matters. Time is not something we can always redeem… as it relates to our health, family relationships and friendships. As you pray INTO your calling, ask for wisdom in this area also. So many of us forget to do so… and develop unhealthy and very religious perspectives on our calling.
