Daniel Seabaugh

Christian writers are men and women called to create words that strengthen the Church and bring glory to God. They feel a burden to share what they’ve learned from Scripture for the betterment of God’s people. Many write in order to make sense of the Word and the world around them. Others write for pure pleasure. Yet regardless of their purpose, they all have one thing in common: they can’t help but write. It’s like taking a breath or blinking an eye.

Anyone called to write knows both the joy and heartache of putting words on a page. When creativity is high, few things in life produce more joy than writing. When creativity is low, writing can feel like a taskmaster. But regardless of the highs and lows, if God has called a man or woman to write, avoiding it is disobedience.

That’s why I’m a little concerned about all the ink being spilled these days over the so-called “Keller Rule.” If you’re not familiar with that language, the rule advises writers to avoid publishing a book until they are 60 years old, following a similar practice by Timothy Keller. Check out this insightful article by Benjamin Vrbicek to learn more about it and how to apply it to life.

In this article, I want to lovingly (and humbly) push back on this rule. There are some good reasons to follow such advice, no doubt. But let me suggest four reasons why I believe writers who embrace it should do so with caution.

First, as I have already alluded to, my biggest concern is that if God has called a person to write, and particularly, publish, waiting until they are 60 may be to walk in disobedience. Sure, they’ll hopefully be wiser when they are older, understand Scripture better, have navigated more of life’s ups and downs, and have more to share with others about life and ministry, but none of that means they can disobey God now. If he is calling a person to publish, they must do it. Of course, if he is calling someone to wait, they must do that, also.

Second, we may not live until we’re 60. To think we will is naive at best, arrogant at worst. None of us are promised tomorrow. Our days are numbered. God may want to use our written words to push back darkness in this world right now. If we wait, Satan gains ground. Let’s not wait.

Third, Keller was humble at 60, we may not be. Many have written about Keller’s humility since his death. Humility is a supernatural gift. We are all born with a desire to make much of ourselves. Apart from the Spirit’s work in our lives, we’ll never attain humility. Hopefully we’re all humbler in our older years, but it’s not guaranteed. If we don’t deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus daily, we’ll never be humble people, let alone humble writers. Waiting until we’re humble sounds humble, but it could also be an excuse for disobedience.

Lastly, consider these facts: John Calvin published Institutes of the Christian Religion when he was 27 years old. Richard Foster published Celebration of Discipline when he was 36. And John Piper published Desiring God when he was 40. I could mention many other examples. Would we have these books if these men waited until they were 60 to publish them? We certainly wouldn’t have Calvin’s Institutes, as he died at age 54.

God can use our writing in any way he sees fit, at any age he desires. He has used young, unpolished people before. He can do it again. If God is calling us to publish our writing, even if we’re young and lack Keller-like humility, we must get to work. After all, obedience is better than sacrifice.

Dear writer, it may be that “The Keller Rule” is not for you. Pray about it. You may have a book in you that someone desperately needs right now. It’s possible that waiting is the wrong move.