Rejected manuscripts fill agents’ and editors’ trashcans and deleted folders because the author didn’t provide a story in which the characters captured their hearts. — DiAnn Mills
Writers often wrestle with clutter. Sometimes it’s the physical kind—papers piled on a desk, unfinished drafts on the computer, or notebooks filled with half-developed ideas. We could also be dealing with emotional and spiritual clutter—worry, insecurity, or fear of failure. This clutter can bury the true treasure God has planted inside of us.
Knowing the difference between trash and treasure is crucial for writers who long to serve the Lord with their words.
The Biblical Foundation
The apostle Paul was one of the most influential writers in history, yet he considered personal gain to be worthless compared to the benefits of pleasing the Lord (Philippians 3:7–8). He didn’t deny his achievements. He simply recognized that, next to his relationship with Jesus Christ, they were trash.
Jesus echoed this truth when he said life doesn’t consist in the abundance of our possessions (Luke 12:15). Contrary to what many writers might think, our worth isn’t measured by what we own, what we’ve done, or even how many people applaud us.
We dare not slip into the trap of chasing sales numbers, reviews, or recognition. In the Kingdom of God, our great accomplishments won’t come from the bestseller list. No, all we need to hear is, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Before typing a word, pause and ask, “Lord, is this writing for you?” That shift in focus can turn your message from temporary trash into eternal treasure.
The Nature of Trash
Trash doesn’t always look dirty or broken. It might be shiny and appealing—until you realize it takes you off course. Sometimes, trash is simply neglecting the gift God gave you, gathering dust while you spend your energy elsewhere.
A garden left untended quickly becomes overrun. The same is true of our writing gifts. If we don’t nurture them, they will be buried under weeds of distraction and laziness.
Here are some weeds you might want to pull:
- I don’t have time.
- I’m not good enough.
- Someone else could do it better.
Don’t let those weeds choke out your gift. Write anyway. Even small seeds can keep the fruit of your calling alive.
Real Treasure
True treasure is anything that strengthens your walk with God and blesses others. What might they include?
- Words of encouragement that will lift someone’s spirit.
- Practical wisdom that connects faith to everyday decisions.
- Writing that lifts the eyes of readers to see God’s handiwork around them.
- A story that reveals God’s grace.
- An email that brings hope, healing, and comfort to those who are suffering.
- Blogs that motivate readers to care for others and live out the Gospel.
- A personal journal entry that draws you closer to him.
Not everything that sparkles is treasure. Paul reminds us that many things are permissible but they aren’t necessarily the best choice (1 Corinthians 10:23). Something may look good, but if it distracts from God’s purpose, it becomes trash.
Think of the difference between tools and toys. Tools are designed to build, repair, or create something useful. Toys entertain but rarely have lasting impact. A phone, for example, can be a tool when used to study Scripture, connect with other believers, or share truth. But in endless scrolling, it quickly becomes a toy.
Holding On to Trash
Trash can hide our treasures. A cluttered desk makes it hard to find what’s valuable. A cluttered heart makes it hard to hear God’s voice. The Bible encourages us to get rid of anything that would hinder us (Hebrews 12:1), which is especially important as we make time to write.
We can easily hold on to emotional or spiritual clutter without realizing it. Bitterness over rejection. Perfectionism that paralyzes us. Envy of another writer’s success. Wishing those things away doesn’t solve the problem. We must actively let them go.
Don’t let failures, fears, or distractions pile up in your writing life. Take out the trash. Each time you release something that hinders, you’ll uncover treasures that God has already placed within you.
God in the Process
Great stories require editing—which includes cutting what doesn’t belong—so the story shines. Spiritually, God does the same with us. On our invitation, God will show us what needs to be cleared out—whether it’s an unhealthy motive, an unhelpful habit, or simply clutter that keeps us from hearing his voice. He doesn’t just point out the trash. He helps us carry it to the dumpster.
True treasure must not only be identified but also used. Words hidden in a drawer or saved in a file that no one ever sees cannot serve God’s purpose.
Don’t bury your words. Polish them, pray over them, and share them. Let your light shine. Even if they reach only one person, they will make an eternal difference.
With Treasure in Mind
Treasure is what honors God and blesses others. So clear the clutter. Take out the trash of fear, envy, and distraction. Embrace the treasure of God’s truth, creativity, and calling. Write boldly—because with God’s help, your words can carry eternal value, far beyond what you imagine today.
Without a doubt, I consider every pursuit that distracts me from knowing Christ as a total loss. I’ve laid aside my old ambitions and even the words I once treasured, seeing them as trash, so I may write with the true treasure that Christ gives me. — Philippians 3:8 Scripture for Writers
Trash or Treasure
Some things look shiny, all sparkling and bright,
But they don’t help us grow or keep us in light.
They sit on the shelf, or they clutter the floor—
Leaving us distracted from what matters more.
Paul looked at his trophies, his learning, his fame.
“It’s all garbage,” he said, “compared to his name.”
For Jesus is treasure, more precious than gold.
All else is dust when it’s his glory we behold.
Worry is trash, and so is our fear,
Cluttering the mind and clouding what’s clear.
But joy is a treasure, and peace is that too.
God gives us all that when we seek what is true.
Worry and grumbling? That’s garbage for sure.
But kindness and joy make hearts that are pure.
So toss out the trash. Let the treasure shine bright,
And walk with the Lord in his love and his light.
Our toys may amuse us and waste half the day,
But God’s tools build his kingdom in a wonderful way.
So ask yourself often, when your work has begun,
“Will I have used a toy or a tool when the work is done?”
The trash can hide the treasure, covering the gold.
It keeps us from seeing the great gifts we still hold.
So sweep out the rubbish. Don’t let it confine.
The treasures God gives will sparkle and shine.
And here is the lesson for writers who try:
Clear out the distractions that tangle and lie.
Let Jesus decide what is precious and true.
Write treasure-filled words to glorify him too.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
