As a writer, sometimes my purpose is thwarted by my attitude. I get frustrated by the seeming pointlessness of putting my thoughts down in whatever medium is handy for those who wish to read it. Whatever the outcome, at times I wonder, “what is the point?” There are many reasons for me to write. Some of them are selfish, such gaining notoriety or riches. I may write for therapeutic purposes, such as when I compose some lines of verse to alleviate the pain I feel. Still other reasons may be more altruistic such as ministering to someone in need.

Charles Spurgeon, nineteenth century Christian preacher and evangelist, saw great value in writing as a means to minister to others. On one occasion, he wrote, “We are very mistaken, if our work does not prove to be of the utmost value to purchasers of books…no object in view but the benefit of our brethren…it will be remuneration enough to have aided the ministers of God in the study of his word.” (Sword & Trowel, March 1876).¹

When I think back on my own writing efforts, I don’t have much tangible evidence to support the belief that I have been a successful writer. I have not published a best-selling work. Pundits are not beating a path to my door to gain my insights as a sought-after guest on their program. Despite the resources I have invested into publishing and marketing two books, I am no where near breaking even. So, again I ask, “What’s the point?”

Long before I came across Charles Spurgeon’s assertion quoted earlier, the one thing I have always told myself was that if only one person is moved by what I have written, touched by one verse I penned, or found reason in one passage that I committed to paper, then I will have done well. For me, one of the greatest joys has been when someone thanks me for a message they received in what I wrote. So, I may not ever gain financially through my writing, but the riches gained through the smiles from those who are touched by what was written are worth far more than a mountain of gold. Sometimes, writing to help others is reason enough to keep plugging away at this endeavor.

¹lucidbooks, “7 Writing Tips from Charles Spurgeon,” 2/22/2016. Retrieved from https://lucidbookspublishing.com/7-writing-tips-from-charles-spurgeon/?fbclid=IwAR3uUmjb2jOP8MyZ7AQEvU_MIYHI5QYC-lDrBTfVOZNvSGQUosJxqeLrZNg on 1/4/2020