Remember the fun game we used to play as kids, “Simon Says…” According to the rules, someone would give a command. You could follow the command if the person first said, “Simon says …” If Simon said it, you could trust it and act without hesitation. If he didn’t, you stood still.
Now, remember the timeless guidance in Scripture —“The Lord says…” We are to heed His commands and trust in His promises and act in faith when we hear His voice. Just as children play “Simon Says,” we follow the Lord’s direction and depend on His truth to guide our lives. Jesus is a far greater voice than “Simon” and His truth is eternal.
The Power of Christian “Isms”
Many of us hold onto sayings or scriptures that become our personal “isms”—short, powerful truths that guide, convict and comfort us. Isms echo in our minds during difficult times and often shape how we respond to the world around us.
They might be Bible verses, lines from a favorite sermon or wise words from a godly mentor. For example, the wise words of faithful Christians or renowned believers have always been edifying and inspiring. We listen to sermons of great people of faith and pick their cherished sayings or quotes, those that we apply to our spiritual lives.
Also, from the Scripture, believers cherish memorable sayings that reflect God’s truth. We hear these powerful phrases in church teachings and see them shared across Christian social media. Everyone loves a good Scripture verse or godly proverb with spiritual impact.
Chad Harbour, who has helped his clients write their testimonies and spiritual legacies for decades, calls these choice words Christian “Isms” and often creates whole chapters for his clients’ books that share some of their most memorable biblical insights as well as their favorite Scripture passages. Here are a few examples of great Christian “Isms” that can be found in clients’ books:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
“Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Maria in The Sound of Music and Alexander Graham Bell (on different occasions) are both quoted as saying, “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.”
Using Scripture and Godly Quotes in Spiritual Life Stories
All Christian isms are rooted in the Scripture. Remember it is, “The Lord says …”
So, what are your favorite Bible verses and most profound spiritual remarks? Adding Scripture and quotes from Christian leaders to your life story can help you capture the essence of God’s work in your life in a profound and memorable way. These passages are an easy way to share divine wisdom or set a holy tone for what’s to come.
It is often meaningful to begin a chapter with a few short Scripture verses or quotes that are relevant to the chapter’s theme, such as redemption or perseverance. Quotes also can be used in the midst of a chapter to break up the narrative or reinforce a biblical point.
If you are using someone else’s quote, always make sure you attribute it correctly, whether it is from Scripture or a trusted Christian author. For example, C.S. Lewis is often quoted as saying, “He who surrenders to Christ does not ‘convert’ his life; Christ converts him.” Ensure accuracy to honor God and the source.
Also, if the person being quoted is not a well-known figure, you might want to provide more context, such as “Pastor of First Baptist Church.” or “Missionary to Africa.”
When a Quote Becomes a Christian “Ism”
Sometimes, Christians repeat their favorite Scriptures or godly sayings so often that they become known for those words of faith and encouragement. These can be passages from the Bible or, as mentioned earlier, quotes from saints and theologians. Sometimes we rephrase some verses in the Bible. A good example is when we replace ‘your’ with ‘my’ in the last part of Nehemiah 8:10,
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
We repeat spiritual truths so often they become a part of who we are. Maybe you always say “God’s timing is perfect” or “Prayer changes things.” You may not realize it, but those around you have heard those words and watched you live them out.
You may not even realize this habit about yourself, but those around you (your church, friends, and family) will.
Questions That Reveal Our Isms and What the Lord Says
One of Chad Harbour’s favorite questions to ask loved ones when interviewing them for a client is, “What is their favorite Scripture or spiritual saying?” and, “if the client has shared it once, what has he/she shared a thousand times?” The people close to you will know, so just ask them. From the meetings with clients, he might also pick a Christian ism. And, of course, he will ask them their anchor verses or go-to Scripture.
When you are using Spiritual Life Stories to write your testimony, you will find questions that prompt you to reflect on what you would like to tell your brothers and sisters in Christ about your walk with God. Some powerful stories to share are those about your favorite Scriptures or “Isms” and how they became central to your faith.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider your favorite Christian “Isms” (the verses or sayings you are known for) and share them in your book:
- What is the story behind that “Ism” or biblical truth you cling to? Where in Scripture is it found, and what was the circumstance when it first spoke to you?
- When and where did you first encounter it? Why did it make such a deep impression on your soul?
- Why do you still hold to it, and in what situations do you share it?
- How might this truth benefit your readers? What spiritual lesson does it help teach about God’s faithfulness?
For further assistance in writing your Christian testimony, go to spirituallifestories.com. You will find an easy-to-use format with hundreds of questions that will help you organize your thoughts about your spiritual journey into chapters covering different phases of your walk with God. Each chapter contains a series of questions to guide you in writing the best story of God’s work in your life, which you can share with your church family and loved ones to encourage their faith.
