In today’s world a noted Christian speaker, writer or singer must deal with a huge fan base. In fact, some major Christian celebs have full time staff who answer emails and snail mail from devoted fans.
C. S. Lewis had no desire to become the attention of an adoring audience. Nonetheless, Lewis was faced with an ever growing number of letters from those who appreciated his written works and sought his advice by mail. From the rise of his fame until the day before he died, C. S. Lewis felt it was his moral responsibility to reply with spiritual advice for those who asked for it.
Having provided spiritual instruction to the Royal Air Force during World War II, Lewis adapted his practical advice to those who sought his counsel via mail.
But Lewis’ habit of letter writing did not begin when avid readers of his works wrote to him. Even when Lewis was still an atheist, he took unhurried time in correspondence to close friends.
The vast number of letters Lewis wrote have been organized and preserved in a three volume book set. Over the course of his life many were surprised to receive a hand written letter from C. S. Lewis answering their particular questions about spiritual matters.
Interestingly, when the Chronicles of Narnia began to be read to children, one child after another would write a letter to their favorite story writer.
In response Lewis would sometimes describe the wildlife outside his window at University and even draw pictures of animals in the letters.
The day before he passed from this world into eternity, Lewis took the time to answer a letter from a child. Such was his devotion to mentoring others through correspondence.
Lewis’ correspondence was formidable but pales in comparison to impact of the Apostle Paul. Paul was a genius at multiplying ministry through letters. Even while in prison for his faith Paul would give spiritual instruction in letters to churches from his prison cell.
What would the New Testament be like without these inspiring words?
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful[a] in Christ Jesus:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1: 1-3).
Or this admonition?
1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[b] and deacons:[c]2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy (Philippians 1:1-3).
Or this instruction?
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2 To the saints and faithful brothers[a] in Christ at Colossae:Grace to you and peace from God our Father… [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:1-2; 15-17).
Letter writing can be a mighty means of mentoring others in the faith. What kind of help have you given or received from Christian letter writing?