All of you have undoubtedly heard the phrase in your lifetime. “The Pen is mightier than the Sword.” In layman’s terms, “You can cause more impact or damage in people’s lives by writing something than by slicing them apart with a blade.” I have handled swords and pens and know the impact of both. However, as a Christian, I find it interesting that in Hebrews 4:12 the Bible describes itself; the Word of God, as a two-edged sword. 

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

It is also referenced in Ephesians 6:17 where it is called “the sword of the spirit”

And thus regarding the Bible, I say that the Pen is mightier with the Sword. Meaning, in my writing, the most powerful words are not my own but those I have inserted and gleaned from the Scripture. Many will write faith-based fiction, but I intend to write Christ-honoring fiction. Stories that at their very core are fashioned and molded by the Word of God. If I take up the pen without the Sword, the words are but vain jangling. They have no purpose and no reason for existence. They will fade on paper and be gone in time. Only by taking the Sword, the Word of God and cutting into my writing, do my words truly have meaning and truth. For truth is found alone in the Word of God. This word shall last forever and when all books have faded to dust, it shall remain. There are no greater words than those of the Lord and I pray that my work as a novelist and a storyteller reflects Him. Does this mean I want to write fiction that is just a dry pile of sermon notes with a few sword fights strewn throughout? Heaven forbid. The bible itself uses stories and parables constantly to show truth and draw men to an understanding of God and I want to do the same. I want to craft compelling and fantastical stories that grip you and entertain at the highest level. But I also want my stories to show truth and morality for what it is, the consequences of sin and the redemption found in the blood of Jesus Christ. So may I write stories that are thrilling and adventurous, that won’t let you go, and will point to the Living Word, which supersedes all other books. 

The reason I write is I love writing. What I write, however, is always a matter of prayer, for I believe God gives the greatest plots and plot twists. May my creativity always honor him who created me. 

Keep reading fiction. But above all, keep reading the Word. 

Many Blessings, 

Carter