Today there are folks who know you. Some know you by the ministry you have in your particular area. Some know you as husband, wife, father, mother, friend. Still some may only know you by what you write, how you act and interact with others on the blogs. They only know you by your words, your behavior–your reputation. What do they know? How are you known?
When I read the passage below from Romans, I paused and thought about what Paul is saying: “First, I thank God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because [the report of] your faith is made known to all the world and is commended everywhere.” Romans 1:8.
Wouldn’t it be the most amazing thing to have someone commend you in this way? To have such a faith that the report of it honors your Lord all over the world? All of us have some folks who will commend us. All of us have some folks who will come to our defense at times. But can we be known and commended as is stated in this verse?–“to all the world”? Can our attitude, tone and example be one that is consistent with the faith we profess in Jesus Christ our Lord?
When you write, do you think of this? Do you strive towards it? When you talk to others, do you keep this in mind? Do you regard it when the Holy Spirit convicts you? When you begin your week, do you even consider how you are known to all the world–or your portion of it? These are questions we might all ponder today. What can we do to have the report of our faith be commended? selahV
SelahV,
Your post is a good respite from the wrangling that so often occurs on the blogs.
I think a number of bloggers and commenters on both sides may have a better reputation in their families, churches, and communities than some of us may think. Through the years I’ve seen believers who might be old grouches at times, turn around and do some very loving, godly things.
But whether it is on blogs or elsewhere, we should all be concerned about what we are known for.
David R. Brumbelow
.-= David R. Brumbelow´s last blog ..Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol =-.
Thanks for the good word, Selah. God bless you.
David
David B…I looked in the mirror today and saw one of those folks who is sometimes a grouch. She agrees with you. 🙂 selahV
.-= SelahV´s last blog ..WHO OWNS YOU? =-.
Volfie…thanks. I try. I really do.
BTW…did you hear that fried chicken is not the cause of overweight folks ? It’s hotter climates. I read it on the internet so it must be true. selahV
.-= SelahV´s last blog ..WHO OWNS YOU? =-.
The very nature of blogs often fosters hearty debate. Hopefully, that doesn’t transfer into all of us being thought of as argumentative. Also, we (I) need to constantly remind ourselves (myself) to strive to handle disagreements in a Christ-like manner — even when blogging :). Thanks for the reminder, SelahV! For my part, to all of you fellow SBC bloggers, realize that I see you as brothers and sisters and work under the assumption that all of us are endeavoring to rightly divide the word of truth, even though we disagree from time to time on one issue or another… Read more »
Todd…I find myself looking more at how I can better represent my Lord, rather than my views these days. The blogs can become such a minefield of emotions at times that His view is lost among the views of man. And the more we allow the thoughts of man to penetrate and take root in our hearts, the more we are apt to dishonor the Person to Whom we owe everything.
Thanks for your words. selahV
.-= SelahV´s last blog ..WHO OWNS YOU? =-.
I agree with that sentiment. I would hope that in the process of blogging, our goal is to seek God’s view in whatever issue is being discussed. My own desire is to conform my view to His and, if need be, changing my view on a matter. I also find that a positive aspect of blogging is that it can help us to evaluate our own positions, think through aspects of issues we may otherwise have missed, correct others or be corrected by Scripture, and hopefully come to consensus on important issues as we seek to better cooperate together for… Read more »
Todd…you are shameless. ha ha. Just kidding. I, too, have written several posts on the subject of blog-etiquette. 🙂 Since you plugged those posts, I hope they all have amiable commenters on them that exemplify the post I’ve written today. 🙂 I do agree that we need to discuss issues that can edify and expand the kingdom of God. And it is sometimes difficult to debate one’s views without taking things personal. But this post is not simply about blogging–as important as that may be. It’s about keeping in mind how our faith is so commendable that the whole world… Read more »
If our light is covered by a basket of poorly chosen words and hastily typed reactions, then the world sees less and less of the Light within us.
Even though your post addressed all of the Christian life, I think the application to the blogosphere a good point for all of us to consider. Non-believers do read our blogs and how we respond to one another indeed communicates something about the faith we profess. I pray that others will see Christ in us, even when we disagree.
Todd…so do I. May God bless you and your ministry. selahV
.-= SelahV´s last blog ..WHO OWNS YOU? =-.
Dear SelahV: Your blog is a beautiful reminder of our responsibility to reflect a Christ like Spirit in all tht we do. I must admit I grow disheartened at times with how people can knock one another around. The spirit of courtesy is supposed to be reflcted in all of our conduct and behavior. I just finished reading Michael A.G. Haykin’s Kiffin, Knollys and Keach. The latter was in a great debate with Joseph Stennett over the Sabbath (Stennett was a 7th Day Baptist), and he invited Stennett to preach his funeral, showing as Haykin says, ‘catholicity of spirit.” It… Read more »
Dr. Willingham…thank you for your gracious thoughts. I long for that Great Awakening and pray for Christ’s Spirit to fill the earth in all His glory. I look forward to the day that we all bow before Him and give Him the glory due His name. Oh that we could offer Him more glory with all our words and actions. I was listening to the radio on the way to an appointment today and a wonderful song came on Come Jehovah Jirah. I was so grateful that I was stopped at a stoplight and could clap my hands and sing… Read more »
Dear SelahV: I wish I had added that the one I am most discouraged with is me. If God has mercy upon me, He will surely do it for the other fellow. I need not despair or give up on any until they are in the grave. Anywhere short of the grave offs the possibility of hope.
.-= Dr. James Willingham´s last blog ..The Climax of the Reformation =-.
I MEANT TO SAY ANYTING SHORT OF THE GRAVE OFFERS THE POSSIBILITY OF HOPE.
.-= Dr. James Willingham´s last blog ..The Climax of the Reformation =-.
ANYTHING
.-= Dr. James Willingham´s last blog ..The Climax of the Reformation =-.
Dr. Willingham…I do get discouraged at times with others. I was talking to my husband last night and said, as much as I get discouraged, I consider the steadfast, patience of my Father. How does He put up with me? And then I do wonder how He is so steadfast and longsuffering and loving and patient with all man. We have an amazing God, don’t we?
May we all receive more of His Spirit and manifest more of His Light within us.
.-= selahV´s last blog ..WHAT AM I PASSING ON? =-.
We all have our down times, but as my wife says, “This, too, shall pass.” Yesterday was a very down time for reasons I will not discuss here, but God surrounded it with two goods. On Wednesday and today, we received e-mails from our son who is in Ukraine with members of his church on a mission trip, and things are going really good. Our God is indeed faithful, all ways the same, no wonder the sons of Jacob are not consumed.
.-= Dr. James Willingham´s last blog ..The Climax of the Reformation =-.
Dr. W…God knows just when to feed our spirit and souls, doesn’t He? He puts His song in our hearts and keeps us singing His song. selahV
.-= selahV´s last blog ..WHAT AM I PASSING ON? =-.