The Purpose Behind the Call
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 7 hours ago
- 10 min read
2/12/2020:
Christian artists offer a variety of services to consumers. Authors, screenwriters, and musicians find their way into countless homes every year. Some of these become best sellers, while we may never know about others. In a conversation with the singer and songwriter, Gretchen Keskeys, she shared with me her discouragement over her album, ‘Words of Truth’, not receiving any reviews from CCM magazine or New Release Today, all of which had reviewed her prior albums. Her publicist informed her that now they want more edgy music. Which essential means they want her music to be more secularized. However, her music does not fit within such worldly expectations, so their demand is unacceptable.
She said, “It made me feel kind of sad because I just didn’t know that was so important.” Artists like Gretchen and I do not do this for fame, prestige, recognition, or an award. We do this for a grander reason. It is about glorifying God. I agree with her that receiving reviews is vital because the companies that dominate this industry make it hard to get noticed or be heard.
Dear One, to my fellow brothers and sisters who have published a book, film, or song, I want to encourage you not to quit. Remember the purpose behind the Call.
“… for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],” (2 Timothy 1:9, AMP).
God could have placed that message in the spirit of anyone, but He chose you. The Lord knows what everybody needed; He knew no one would have presented it like you. Your words are sincere and penetrate the hearts of the viewers.
Do Not Compromise for Recognition
Gretchen Keskeys gave me her heartfelt thanks and praise for a review I had written for the latest recording. I felt honored that she asked me to do this. I am no one important. I am not even an acclaimed author. Yet, this incredible psalmist of three recordings observed something in me and requested my opinion. I need to urge those whose abilities are not popular to see beyond the crowd, as Gretchen Keskeys did. The Lord blessed you with this talent, and He opened doors for your ministry.
“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him and brings him before great men.’ (Proverbs 18:16).
Some years ago, before I wrote my first book, the Lord said to me, “You’re sitting on a gold mine.” Reading this truth today, I have a sharper revelation of what He means. Since becoming a published writer, I have had more opportunities than ever. Several Radio Talk show hosts have interviewed me who want nothing more than to espouse the talents of unknown Christians.
Dear One, His insight was not about being a best-selling author, but using God's Word through my inspirational readings to encourage, empower, and make disciples of Christ. It is to show others that greatness lies in them, and they can do what they thought they never could. The Lord showed me how His Words through my writings have gone to regions, even internationally, that my feet have never gone. Their testimonies reflect that His Word is making a profound difference and transforming lives. I am forever grateful!
I am also a Personal Consultant who helps other self-published writers get their manuscripts to print. Myles Monroe urges us in an article on this scripture to develop our gift because it will become a commodity. It may not come as you hoped, but when you put it to good use, it will furnish and bring you before those you never believed would request you.
Dear One, don’t get caught up in the number of followers, sales, or resorting to compromise to become notarized. Many have done this for the sake of reaching the top. We must contend for the faith even in the gift God has given us. “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” (Jude 1:3, NASB).
My Friend, the souls of the unbeliever and believer depend on you. The message we speak, write, or sing gives witness to who we are, so our words and music matter. Every beat, stroke of the instrument, word in the book, or script sends a directive to the brain. And you should never give in to the demands of any company that promises fame in exchange for a watered-down product. Those who do this have forgotten the purpose for which God blessed them with their talent. Likewise, they do not honor God.
If they demand that you present an unbiblical message within your music, films, or books to secure notoriety, this is a company you should keep your distance from. These are not even Christian-owned companies. They will do and promise everything to deceive you. Once they gain control, it is hard to get out without sacrificing that precious gift that would have been better off in the hands of God. Be resilient and courageous like Gretchen Keskeys and trust your ministry into His hands.
The Anointing is From God, Not Man
He anointed you with these skills, and He is more than capable of making a way for it to touch countless others. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” (James 1:17, AMP). You need to trust Him, no matter what, to take you further than you have ever been.
I want my works to sell, but not at the expense of destroying my relationship with my Savior. Besides, the world expects us to conduct ourselves in a way of holiness; likewise, this expectation applies to the products we publish. Songs, films, and books that are not Christ-centered may earn you more sales, but the impact on those who have not accepted Christ will bring shame and disgrace to the Body of Christ. Those who fall prey to this do not have a covenant relationship with the Lord because they are driven by greed. Your willingness to trade an extraordinary skill the Lord blessed you with for worldly gain speaks volumes.
Trying to comprehend the minds of those who are in the business for their financial portfolio can make you feel as though you are a failure. I have written several books. If becoming financially secure were my goal, I would have stopped writing after my first four books. After my first publication, I contacted a Christian publishing company. They offered to publish it for $3,700. They enjoyed the content and said my story was inspiring. Which I was profoundly grateful for.
Some benefits presented, such as the ISBN and copyright, I did not need the company to provide these. The price did not include getting the devotional into the bookstores. Any extra time for radio advertising would have cost more. After reading over the contract and praying, I refused their offer.
Some self-publishing companies do offer you an ISBN at no charge, though it may not come from an official agency, such as Bowker. An author can request copyright from the office at a reasonable cost. To some, this may have seemed like an opportunity of a lifetime. However, this company was not deducting these charges from its price. So, why should I pay for services I do not need, and they cannot even get the books into a bookstore? What would I have been paying for?
I have even contacted several Publicists, but due to their fee, I created my own Press Release. I even found a less expensive means to create a professional book trailer. I have my prayer journal on the bookshelf at Source for Knowledge in Newark, NJ. The East Orange Public Library placed my latest devotional, You Are Good Enough, on their bookshelf. Though several colleagues said this could not happen, with God, nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37).
Marketing At What Cost
Many do not understand what it entails to market this gift. I have had friends give me unasked advice on promoting my book. They mean well, but don’t have a clue what I have researched and done. We put in many weeks and exceptional effort into producing it. Precious time is taken from spending with our family. Then there are hours of proofreading, rehearsing, and perfecting your skill until it is everything God designed it to be.
Unless someone is an esteemed public figure, you will need a second job, because income from this is not what people assume. Even getting the finished product on a shelf at a bookstore requires a large quantity of sales. Becoming a best-selling author holds the same truth. The numbers are much higher for an album or a single recording. You must know that what you are doing is pleasing the Lord. Otherwise, you will get swept up and become disillusioned and discouraged.
After working with a client to get her first book published, there was an incredible response from family and friends on social media. To her dismay, this did not result in many purchases. Beloved, encourage yourself and do not forget the purpose of your skill. The odds may appear against you. You are tired, frustrated, and disappointed. I get it! I witness the same when I advertise on the internet. I even wrote to several Christian bookstores. And even sent letters to churches I am affiliated with, and this gained one reply. However, that is better than none.
Beloved, do not believe that this is not worth your effort. Your finished product deserves the acknowledgement because you achieved something others said you never could do. You published that book, film, or album. That is remarkable because you blessed the world with a unique jewel that will empower someone. It may not be the income, or gaining the recognition you had hoped for. Still, Beloved, you not craving in and giving up is a testament to your resilience and faith in God.
“I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained.” (Job 42:2, AMP).
Whatever Christ has ordained for your life shall not come to naught. The enemy shall put forth his power to abort God’s plan and purpose. Still, no weapon formed against you shall prosper because God will achieve His plans. The Lord will create an avenue to espouse your extraordinary talent. God has equipped you with the strength to do the impossible. You may never become a best-selling artist in the view of the world. However, you have already published the material that has touched people you may never know. No one changes that, despite any efforts they make. So, show all those who doubt your abilities better than you can tell them.
The number of sales, reviews, or awards is not what defines an artist. It is who you are and what is in your heart. It is works that show you express deep reverence for God because you are concerned about how what you compose affects others. You are not in it for what you can gain from this talent. So, if earning success means stepping on others, taking credit for what you did not do, or stealing someone’s idea to get ahead, then you will not do that.
Humanity matters to you. Beloved, be who God created you to be. Use your talent to empower others and make the world a better place. Let it be so inspiring that it leaves a testimony like the one Gretchen Keskeys expressed, how she wants to be like Carrie Ten Boom and me.
“I know deep in my heart what I’m doing is pleasing to God, and so I will continue and not let the enemy destroy my creativity. I think of someone like Corrie Ten Boom, who was an older woman when she was out doing her ministry, probably not the hippest looking person, but what a powerful testimony for Christ. I want to be like her. And like you. You are extraordinarily productive. I’ve never seen somebody so productive and effective. It’s inspiring.”
Sweet Jesus, this keeps me humbled. Beloved, use your unique writing style even when others criticize you. Share your music that is one-of-a-kind, inspiring, and not demeaning. Create stories that bring them into an encounter with God while transforming their lives. Above all, continue demonstrating skills to tell of God’s amazing love, healing, and deliverance.
I have not received many reviews, but the ones I have are astonishing. I even said to the Lord, as long as He gives me something to write, I will keep writing. Remember, Jesus loves souls, and He went to great lengths to save souls. Dear One, it is for that one soul that I will continue to write for. (John 3:16).
Dear Friend, enjoy serving in whatever capacity Christ has chosen you to do. Our work is precious and valuable in the Kingdom of God. In your Father’s eyes, it is a bestseller, and the host of heaven is cheering us on. God loves you and appreciates your contribution to this world through your extraordinary gift.
Beloved, when you purchase an item by a Christian artist, please encourage them by writing a review. Encourage others by sharing it on your social media platform with a picture of it. If you purchased it from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, leave a review. Pass the word to others, even start a book, music, or film club. In my conclusion, I highly recommend this remarkable piece of music by Gretchen Keskeys.
May this incredible song, Words of Truth by Gretchen Keskeys, stir your heart to stand for truth, despite what the world offers.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: In a world that often views Christianity as irrelevant, what should a Christian artist do when compromising makes the difference between fame and obscurity? How far are you willing to go for recognition and prestige? What stories from the Bible or your own experiences would you share to encourage someone such as Gretchen Keskeys?
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