Staying Content, Whether Or Not You Get Published

Currently I'm reading the writing how-to book, "The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction" by Jeff Gerke. At the beginning, he talks about how as Christian fiction writers, our main goal is to be published. And for most of us, it's not until we reach that goal will we are fully content and fulfilled.

Of course, this discontentment isn't obvious, which is why Jeff Gerke advises us examine our desire to be published. Not just to see if you want it for the fame, money, and success - but to ask yourself if you subconsciously are in this because you feel as if your life will finally be "complete" when you see your name in print.

"Do you want it so desperately because you feel it will make you content? Can you be content with your life if you never get published? Or will you not be 'happy' until you achieve this goal?"

~Jeff Gerke

This discontentment leads to greed. And greed, according to Colossians 3:5, leads to idolatry. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I going to be happier when/if I do get published?
2. Am I focusing more on writing than on God?
3. If this isn't God's will for my life, will I bet upset with him or trust that he has a plan?
4. Am I trying to control based on/off my strength and the way I want things to go, or am I allowing God to direct the path?
5. How often am I praying, putting God first in this career?
6. Do I want to get published to serve myself, or to serve Christ?

If you learn to put God first in your life, then you will always have enough to be content - no matter where your writing career takes you.

"I have to go through my life firm in the knowledge that God has given me everything I need for contentment. I have to believe I'm operating from a place of fullness, not a place of lack... If your attitude is correct, then I think God loves to grant us the desires of our hearts - having placed those desires there in the first place!"

~Jeff Gerke

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For me, I tend to control things instead of trusting God and allowing him to direct my path. What about you? Is it a shocking realization that being published may not be what God has in store for you?