Sign of the ICHTHUS

The Greek letters for ichthus (meaning "fish", pronounced "ICK-THOOS") became an acronym: I=Jesus; X=Christ; O=God's; Y=Son; E=Savior

On the pavement of the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery in Oregon, there are images of sturgeon spraypainted on the pavement leading to the hatchery buildings and ponds--an effective guidepost to direct visitors on the right path.

Is there such a fish pointing the way to God in your writing and in your life?

Some fiction writers lack subtlety in their approach, deciding on a formulaic character arc and salvation scene--boy meets girl, boy and girl don't get along cause one isn't saved, a crisis happens and the one that's not saved gets saved and the two of them fall in love and get married. Now that's a BIG fish--a sturgeon.

Others swing the opposite direction and are so subtle in their references to Jesus, to faith and salvation that it would be difficult to distinguish their book from a secular one. That's a goldfish.

Is either writer wrong?

Not if that type of novel is what God is calling you to write. If your writing is bearing fruit to God, you're doing something right!

But if you want to grow as a writer, you will avoid imitating others or following trends and instead, work tirelessly to develop a unique style and voice that falls somewhere in between the two fish. A God-honoring and praiseworthy work that will bring glory to the Lord, change hearts and change lives.

No matter the size of your fish, keep writing! Keep your hatchery of ideas full, and let your writing be a lasting symbol to the world--pointing the way to Christ.

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen."Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18