Although this sign is a bit dramatic, I wanted to use it to make a point. As Christians, we want to do our best to represent Jesus Christ. As humans, we are sometimes noted for botching up a good witness.
As fiction writers who are Christians, we want to write stories which illuminate and/or incorporate our Savior, faith issues, the human condition, and somehow make sin realistic without kowtowing to the relativity of wrong as the world likes to preach. It's a tall order.
Many Christian authors hope their work will reach the lost or at least those who are searching for something to believe in. As Christians, we also realize and must face up to our inability to save a soul. Yes, God can use us to be a starting, in between, or ending point to the salvation process. No, it isn't up to us when or who He chooses to do this. Or who He calls upon to hear the Gospel.
I know the hearts of many authors hope their novels will reach the lost. And it's not that they can't or won't, it's that God is in charge of that. If you've ever read the mean-spirited, unkind, critical reviews at Amazon - and I imagine elsewhere - from readers who resent and have the nerve to say they were offended at the Christian "message", "agenda", or "dogma" in a book by a Christian author, you know those who aren't interested in God can be bitter, cruel, and totally unappreciative of anything representing what they comprehend as "religious" propaganda.
After spending some time reading in the ABA, it's easy to determine the focus of many of their authors - certainly not all. The dependence on the human intellect and innate strength of will overrule any divine supernatural assistance unless of course the use of ghosts and demonic creatures are used. And there seems to be a fair amount of anger toward the perception of God as they see Him. Any reliance on God is either portrayed as weak, crazy, inane, or foolish. Until a life or death situation occurs. Maybe then a protagonist or heroine offers up a quick prayer, never to be addressed again once safe. Or acknowledged.
It's our love for Jesus which makes us need to share the Gospel. I just don't think we can count on it happening effectively for the unbeliever through our stories unless it is our specific charge from the Lord. The world is lost and each individual needs The Savior, but no one comes to Him unless they're called. If the Holy Spirit uses a novel to reach them, they can make an informed decision through His leading. What a privilege if something we write is what He chooses to draw them near.
We must write the stories He gives us and let Him take it from there.
Father, we desire to be a faithful witness when we write and in everything we do, always hoping to honor you with our words and actions. No one knows our failures better than you. And yet you love us still. Amazing God. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.