Set You Free-Martin Johnson

As an English major in college, I was eager to put my skills to work… I wanted to create something . . . I wanted to be someone special. There was only one problem—a big one, I had nothing to write about. Unless, I shared my mischievous adventures, but that would just be one long confessional.

My English professor encouraged me to reminisce about past relationships.  I found myself overcome with shame. So I did what most would-be writers would do. I read anything I could get my hands on: Screenplays, self-help books, cookbooks (my father was a chef and cooking is creating out of necessity,) and comic books (guys are visual!)

My reading choices —poor choices—led me down a path I knew was wrong and I used my gifts for my own desires. Growing up in church, I knew Jesus set us free from sin (Romans 8:2-4,) but more often we live like we are free to sin. It’s a twisted lie of the devil; he takes our freedom and promises us more.

Free?

Dictionary.com defines free as: “Enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery, pertaining to those who enjoy personal liberty, possessing civil and political liberties.”

Most people view college as the first step to adulthood, we are free from the rules of our parents and their watchful eyes. We are free to learn and form our own opinions. Robert Frost notes, “College is a refuge from hasty judgment.”

 I felt the liberty to make mistakes; however, I failed to learn from them. Thus, my Heavenly Father had to step in and remind me He was in control.

After dying in a car accident, I was given a second chance to use my passion for writing for His glory, not mine. I spent eleven months learning how to walk, talk and smile again. After losing those liberties, I promised God I’d use my gifts however He wanted me to.

At first, I struggled and wanted to do my thing. He pursued me and I realized the power of a second chance. It’s not a freedom to keep doing the same thing over and over. Grace is a second, third, fourth, etc. chance to do the right thing.

In recent years I’ve learned God has created me in a unique way for writing, I am free to be who He wants me to be. My flaws, and personality traits, lack of formal spiritual training and past give me a unique perspective and creative voice.

I don’t have to be the next great theological scholar constantly pursuing education to stay on top of the religious mountain of greatness. I’m content with serving God however He chooses. Scripture is clear if God wants to do great works through me, He can do more than I can (Ephesians 3:20, 1 Peter 5:5-6, James 4:6-7.)

More or less?

Our sin nature makes us crave more. But in God’s kingdom, less is more. The least is greatest; God makes the wise foolish and the foolish things wise.

When we are crucified with Christ, we are surrendered to His will—then God can do great things. A few years ago I interviewed my mentor for my book. He shared:

“I decided to join the military after college. My first duty station was in Tacoma, Washington, in a leadership position. I would never have dreamed I would have a 30-year career in the military.

God’s plan for my life would take me all over the world and allow me to have experienced and learn invaluable leadership skills that would serve His kingdom for His purpose. The opportunities given to me and my family were beyond my wildest dreams. When God has a call on your life, you must use discernment to help you make the right choice. My name is Paul Wingo and I am crucified with Christ.”

God’s will is not orchestrated by man. In May I attended my first Blue Ridge Mountains Christian writers conference. The first morning I shared a table with an older gentleman from breakfast.

After we finished eating, he invited me to his class. I had spent an hour eating with the 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird. To my amazement, we have become friends and encourage each other in our craft of film.

As Christian writers, we encourage others with the gospel, not with false positive feel-good words, but the honest truth. Recently, I attended a free Christian concert in Atlanta.

Singer Bart Millard shared, “The blessing and curse of being a songwriter is my therapy is I write songs about these things (suffering.)” Our job as Christian writers is to tell the hard truth because the truth will set you free (John 8:32.)

Martin is an award-winning Christian screenwriter and former model who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book after three years of researching, editing and remembering.

While majoring in English, he walked away from the Christian faith to experience the grandeur and luster of college life. While dating, he delved into different spiritual beliefs—from Hinduism to Catholicism and Judaism.Martin’s journey took him on a journey for answers.

In March of 1997, Martin received his answer. Albeit, not the answer he wanted. Nearly dying in a severe car accident, he survived with a  (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side.

After enduring eleven months of humiliating rehabilitation and therapy, Martin found himself at the foot of the cross with a choice to make. It was then Martin realized to truly live, he had to die. Not physically but in every other area of his life. There could be no compromise.

Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries Martin shares his testimony. Martin explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives.

Martin lives in Georgia and connects with readers at https://spiritualperspectivesofdasingleguy.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mtjohnson51. He is also a contributing writer at Faith & Fitness Magazine and the Christian Film Database.

You can also connect with him at his website www.martinthomasjohnson.com