John Grisham was a virtually unknown small-town lawyer, back in 1989, until hitting the best-seller lists. But it is not common knowledge that – unlike Charlotte Rørth – Grisham committed his
life to Christ when he was eight years old. He remains dedicated to living according to biblical principles as he copes with the fame and wealth thrust on him. Despite his fame today, at the
age of 62, Grisham’s spiritual life is still a priority – he travels on missionary trips and gives generously to Christian causes.
Those who know him best know that he is a man who believes strongly in the value of his relationship with God and living a life of integrity, even in his writing. This isn’t always an easy choice with some authors, but Grisham is committed to his decision. Questioned as to how he kept his novels “clean”, Grisham emphasised his convictions like this: “When I started writing, I
made the simple decision to keep it clean. The decision was based on my Christian faith and a certain lifestyle I’m trying to maintain, and I’ve never been tempted or pushed to write otherwise.”
One of his acquaintances says: “I think he spent his time building up his popularity, now he can write what he wants and the publishers may complain but they cannot stop him like they could a new writer.” As he has grown in popularity, with a legion of loyal followers, Grisham has been increasingly forthright in inserting characters with high Christian and moral values. Some years ago, while interviewed by Matt Dabbs for Wineskins.org, Grisham shared the reason for his well-known devotion to his family.
“My wife and I are both products of tight-knit, Southern Baptist families in which our parents were always there. It’s simply a way of life. We’ve never wanted to do anything but dote on our children,” he explained. Asked about the impact on him of a missionary trip he made to Brazil back in 1993, Grisham explained, “It made me ashamed for all the material things I possess, and it showed me how little these things are worth. It also opened my eyes to the power of the gospel because for the first time I witnessed hundreds of people touched by it at the same time.
Source: Wineskins.org; Powertochange.org
Bible Study: Jeremiah 10:7
SEPTEMBER Praise God that John Grisham committed his life to Christ at the tender age of eight. Thank God that he has remained faithful to his early calling.
Pray that many readers may continue to find in his books examples of real Christian moral values.
