How Writing Transforms Our Faith

On Halloween, I walked around the neighborhood with my kids, getting to know the neighbors. As we talked, someone asked me about my favorite sports team.

I innocently said, “Atlanta United.”

This was a truthful answer. I don’t really like sports, but I do like cheering for Atlanta United. Once a year, our family goes to see a game in person. It’s an incredible experience.

However, my neighbor is from Argentina, so this was an unforced error on my part. He said, “Oh, yes, after you lost your Argentinian coach, it went downhill for you.” He then continued to discuss the team in some detail while I attempted to hide my ignorance behind my Halloween mask.

Reader, I had no idea what he was talking about.

Besides our annual trek to Mercedes-Benz stadium, I hardly have the time to pay attention to Atlanta United, or any other sports team. Between my D.Min. program, the work of Uncommon Pursuit, my board commitment to Creating Jobs, serving as an elder at my church, and investing time with my family and friends, there’s barely any time left to be a soccer superfan.

But after asking Google for help, I learned he was referring to Gerardo Daniel “Tato” Martino, who led the team to win the MLS Cup in 2018.

Now, imagine that I wrote a weekly newsletter about Atlanta United. Would I be more or less prepared to discuss the soccer team with my neighbor?

The answer is obvious.

A habit of writing about Atlanta United would force me to watch the games, listen to the commentary, learn about the sport, and become proficient in discussing the team.

Now think about your understanding of Christianity. Perhaps you regularly attend church, listen to some podcasts, pray at meals, and read your Bible from time to time.

Suppose a friend asks you about what you believe. Are you ready? Maybe.

But how much better prepared would you be for that conversation if you had a habit of regularly writing down how you understand what it means to be a Christian? If you actively thought about what others said, analyzed it, prayed about it, and then wrote out a response to what you heard, how would that accelerate your understanding of what you believe?

Let’s take it a step further. What if you not only wrote down your own best understanding of the subject but then shared your reflections with others? And you invited them to ask questions, correct assumptions, or follow up with their insights? How would that conversation, and the insights of other Christians, prepare you to discuss your beliefs with your family, your friends, or your neighbors?

When we think about sports, it’s obvious that writing down our observations, and sharing them with others would help us become experts. So why do we resist making the same effort to develop our faith in God?

Perhaps it is because we haven’t ever been challenged to do so.

All that’s been asked is to show up, listen, and watch. As long as we’re there, we can count on uplifting music, an entertaining message, and a pretty good cup of coffee.

But don’t you want more? Don’t you want to be transformed? Don’t you want to participate in the adventure of God’s mission?

In Atlanta, there was a very dangerous, very short ramp that connected 285E to 400N. Exiting from 285, you had to make a tight turn that forced you to slow down. Then, you found yourself immediately merging into the left lane of 400N, where cars are going well over 70 or even 80 miles an hour. In my car, the engine strained to accelerate fast enough to make the transition.

What made the transition from 285 to 400 so dangerous? There was no ramp! Every time I had to go this way, I feared for my life. It was terrifying.

We need well-lit, extended ramps to help us safely transition from one highway to another.

What are the chances that, by yourself, you’ll start to regularly write out your reflections on the tough questions of our day? Think through the meaning of various passages in the Scriptures? Or write down what it means to apply God’s word to our lives?

If you have the iron will and self-discipline, then go for it. But if you’d like an encouraging, supportive environment, join the Uncommon Pursuit community. It’s free.

Writing is fundamental to education. It’s part of how we learn in high school, in college, and in graduate programs. It’s fundamental to business leadership. Writing clarifies our thinking, teaches us how to express ourselves, and connects us to others.

Why not start regularly writing about your faith?

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The Uncommon Pursuit community is here for you.

It’s a relational environment to be transformed for God’s mission.

If you’d like to participate, you can discuss this essay with us.

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Giving credit: Photo by Daniel Thomas on Unsplash