A good discussion is breaking out under my last Edwardsean post on spiritual pride.
Deb, of All Things New Under The Son comments,
So, that makes me wonder.. how does one tell whether he or she is contributing to a conversation or topic in a way that God can bring honor and glory to Himself vs. in a way that merely seeks to vindicate ourselves and our pet opinions? Could that mean posting or commenting "anonymously?" (probably not.) Or does it mean clamming up and ceasing all dialog? How do we find our 'place at the table' within public discourse, particularly in terms of blogging and commenting?
Susannah, a homeschool blogger, comments,
I've read other Christians wrestling with the question of whether blogging publicly (or commenting on blogs) is inherently narcissistic rather than Christ-glorifying.
I've wondered very occasionally (typically only when I read such pieces) whether the blog only serves as a distraction from "real ministry" (my most immediate ministry being motherhood)--that maybe it's only a tool for self-promotion. I can come up with a lot of great, even unselfish, reasons to blog, but am I only kidding myself?
Susannah goes on to make a case that blogging can be Christ honoring and that cites an example ( Wittingshire ).
I responded on the same thread with my thoughts about pride and blogging.
I would like to hear some other bloggers (and commenters) sound off. There is an inherent narcissim in blogging. I have seen Christian bloggers confess that their blogs have become their idols (not going to name names). They sought to use blogging to make a name for themselves. They found life in blogging. They coveted the affirmation of seeing others link to their blogs.
How do we, as Christian bloggers, guard against the sin of pride? How do we protect against the temptation to make this fun form of communication an exercise in self-exaltation?
Thoughts?
How do Christian bloggers guard against the sin of pride? Wow, that is a convicting question. As a pastor I struggle against this all the time. As a pastor I am a communicator. Whether it be in a blog or in a pulpit. I know when I preach I have to resist the temptation of preaching for other's approval or acclaim. I have to check my motives and ask the Lord to search my heart.
How do we protect ourselves against pride in blogging? First, realize and always remember that it is a real temptation and pitfall. Second, review why I blog in the first place. For me it is a way to communicate with my church, and if others in the blogosphere happen to be listening into the conversation - that's ok. Third, realize whatever recognition or acclaim that I might receive from a blog post, is relatively fleeting. And always remember that blogging supplements my pastoral ministry it doesn't supplant it.
Posted by: bill | November 23, 2007 at 21:38
I think, like Paul said a ways back, not having a lot of readers helps. :) It must be harder for big-time bloggers.
Speaking as a "mommy-blogger": Blogging to me (at least, at HSB) feels more like a little community. A few of the bloggers I read are people I know in real life, from a church we attended in our last state. I love being able to keep up with their lives through their blogs. In some ways, I know them better now than I did then!
Then, of course, I post pictures for family and distant friends. It keeps us connected. I hear from them more via the blog than I would otherwise, and they get to see more of our lives than they would if I were still just writing occasional letters and e-mails.
Finally, there are the lovely sisters in Christ I have "met" through blogging, perhaps not face to face, but nonetheless, we have much in common (especially motherhood and homeschooling).
This blog is a good example of Christian blogging. There are others that touch on politics, cultural commentary, even news coverage of religious stories. I think each has its place in the marketplace of ideas. God gifts each member of the body with unique gifts that build the body up. Not every Christian will have an interest in blogging, but among those who do, not every one will have the same focus, and I think that's okay.
When you think about it, our strengths always have a corresponding weakness. It's like "the other side of the coin." It's not limited to blogging--anyone is tempted to take pride in his or her strengths instead of acknowledging dependence on God, Who is the source of our very life and breath, not to mention all our gifts.
Posted by: Susannah | November 24, 2007 at 10:36
Great responses.
I agree that there are many good reasons to blog. I also agree that pride is a real temptation especially as a blog gains readership. Having folks read what you write is an enormous compliment. While I have not gained the notoriety of the big time Christian bloggers, there have been times when many have linked to this blog for one reason or another.
I think one way to keep blogging from becoming an idol of pride is to invite others to keep you accountable. Give them a "hunting license" into your heart. Grant them permission to ask you how much time you are spending on your blogging and if your blogging has become a place where you look for life. Allow them to ask if you are seeking to make a name for yourself, and if you are honoring Christ by how you spend your time on the internet.
One thing to ask yourself, how hard would it be to give up blogging if your family asked you to?
Posted by: Mr. Dawntreader | November 24, 2007 at 16:58
I think a blog is sort of like money, or television, or any other inanimate object we humans invent. It isn't inherently good or bad, or Christian or non-Christian, it is what it is. How we use it determines its value, its Christlike-ness and its advisability for use by His followers.
Like money, or sports, or figurine collecting or exercising, if you make something into an idol, something that demands more of your time, devotion and loyalty than Christ and his Word do, then you need to get rid of it. If, however, you can keep that activity or thing in the proper perspective, you can make it into a tool to help further a ministry, or least that is neutral regarding spiritual obligations.
I was especially struck reading about this topic because I've just gotten back into blogging after a long time away, and I am asking myself questions about why I am going back, and to what purpose. In fact, I wrestled with this in my last post, but still have not figured out all the ansswers. I do know, however, that blogging can become quite addictive, and if you let it, it will draw time and personal resources away from work, from family, and even from your relationship with God. It's a beast that must be tamed to be of use.
Posted by: Muley | November 29, 2007 at 18:19