The World Is Reading
I don’t like to place too much weight on the importance of blogging… because it is, after all, nothing more than disconnected community. And yet what we type out and post on our blogs, and what we say in response to others’ blogs, are part of our eternal imprint left on this earth. So in that sense, it is as important as any other life activity.
In the Christian blogosphere, I think it can be easy to forget that not only Christians are reading. My audience, for instance, is composed largely of people who are in agreement with a lot of what I say… that’s just the way it works. So at times I think we can all forget that we are in a very public sphere, and that we can honor or shame the name of Christ with what we write.
As a disclaimer, I’m not writing this in response to any comments that have been made on my blog, or any discussion I’ve been involved with anywhere else. This is just a result of observing the various ways interaction and disagreement are handled around the Christian blogosphere… and my own difficulty keeping the balance between truth and grace as I moderate discussion and handle disagreement. So this is a reminder for me as much as anyone else who might read.
The point is that there is more at stake with what we write than whether our fellow Christians agree. There are many eyes reading, and we want to make Jesus look as good as He is, and to be transparent in our sanctification so that He can shine through. Wow, that is a lofty goal. I don’t know how well I’m doing meeting it. But I hope we can all interact with both grace and truth. The world is reading.
7 Comments to The World Is Reading
Anna,
Very insightful of you to point out a need to personally censor ourselves, or rather, let the Lord set the standard for us.
As much as my ego will allow, we’ve taken the approach to stay mentally abreast of this idea: The blog is not about us, it’s about Jesus and what He’s doing through us.
That’s our story and we’re stickin’ with it. 
Grace and peace be with you.
AnnaJanuary 15, 2008
You’re right, Christopher… and as a side note, you were the 500th comment ever on this blog. I wish I had some sort of prize to offer you, but it’s nothing but the satisfaction of knowing you marked a milestone. 
A great and needed reminder.
I too forget that the world it watching (reading) us, and it is important that we represent Jesus as He truly is: holy, perfect, Savior.
Thanks
Thanks!!!
Since I was the 500th poster and my ego was involved in contributing, do you have a consolation prize for #501 
Keep up the God work.
Grace and peace be with you.
Amen!
Two thoughts -
1) Don’t underestimate the importance of blogging (or any other form of writing). Think what impact the Apostle Paul had with his writing.
2) Your words are very convicting. As someone who dabbles in spiritual satire, it is easy for me to cross lines that make the sacred look profane. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Hi there! I appreciate your thoughts so much here and on my comments, You’re so insightful and careful, and here you are proving your wisdom and care. We will be held accountable ultimately for every careless or idle word we say (matthew 12:36). Our words matter. How we say them matters. Our reactions matter.
The responsibility is very sobering. These are good words of warning.
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I'm Anna. I'm 22. I love reading and writing. I'm a recent college graduate living at home. And I hope you are blessed by what you read here.
January 15, 2008