My Children Hear Voices

I hope that when my children are older they hear voices. And I hope those voices proclaim the gospel to them.

My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. –Proverbs 6:20-22

This verse teaches us a very important principle; namely, our children will carry our teaching with them. Or at least they will have to actively deal with them at some point. Knowing that my children will carry around my voice (and their mother’s) with them for all the days of their life is a humbling truth.

I pray that when my children are out making decisions on their own that the voice they hear from us is grounded in the gospel. God has graciously given us parents, disciplers, pastors, etc. to give us another voice in our head that is not our own. We need that voice. And we need that voice to be saying the same thing as the voice of God.

As a daddy Proverbs 6 challenges me to continuously speak the gospel to my kids. It urges me to tell them who God is and what godliness looks like. When my children are older and faced with decisions that require wisdom I hope that they hear the voice of mom and dad saying something like, “What does God say”? And then I hope that they are equipped with knowing God’s Word.

Your children will hear voices when they grow up. We determine whether they will be biblical or not.

Grabbing Twitter by the Ears

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

I’m convinced that Twitter has left many people smarting from wicked dog bites. Most of its ever flowing content is nothing more than a passing dog. Many, myself included, have tugged on this old passing dogs ears and gotten bit in response.

That’s the thing with grabbing a dogs ears.

You can really give yourself the impression that you’ve got this pit-bull mastered. You might even have a pretty sweet ride for a moment. But eventually he’s going to wiggle those ears free and he’s going to be ticked off enough to bite you.

With Twitter all it takes is holding down the Shift button and a strike of the @ button to convince yourself that you are significant.

But beware when you enter into a quarrel that’s not your own. You might ride it with joy for awhile but eventually your soul is going to get bitten. It might breed in your heart factionalism. Perhaps pride. Or if we’re lucky, God in His grace, will expose us for the posers that we are.

Of course this isn’t to say that there aren’t rabid dogs that ought to be grabbed by the ears and wrestled to the ground. But let’s be honest with ourselves, a good chunk of what we spend our time arguing about is nothing more significant than a passing dog. It only becomes a big deal because we were dumb enough to grab it by the ears to have a little fun or make a name for ourselves.

Next time you enter into a quarrel—even a little spat on Twitter—ask yourself whether or not it’s really a dog worth fighting*.

--

*That’s not a shout-out to @MichaelVick.

3 Reasons Why Christians Rejoicing Over the President’s “Fall” is Wrong-headed

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.”  -Proverbs 24:17

On Wednesday night the first presidential debate of the 2012 election was held.  As you probably already know Mitt Romney absolutely handed it to incumbent Barack Obama.  When even the main-stream media (with tears in their eyes) proclaim a Romney victory you know that it’s probably true. For Republican Christians their “enemy” fell and he certainly “stumbled”. 

Truth be told I’m not sure how much we ought to place President Obama in the categories mentioned in that Proverb.  But that is okay.  I am arguing from greater to lesser.  If we aren’t to rejoice even over the fall of a real enemy (judge for yourself if the President fits that bill) then we certainly aren’t to rejoice in the fall of a perceived enemy either. 

And that is what sickens me. 

I understand Fox News throwing a ticker tape parade.  I understand non-believing Republicans mocking the President and rejoicing when he falls.  That’s what they do.  And frankly they have more dogs in the fight than believers do.  This is their kingdom.  This is their citizenship.  But it’s not ours.  It’s not surprising that they would disregard this Proverb.  But it is sad when believers somehow think that “Jesus is a Republican” and so it’s totally cool to throw out Proverbs 24:17. 

There are at least three reasons why this gloating is wrong-headed:

1. We are celebrating the wrong victory.  Jesus is ushering in a kingdom that supersedes a Republican American kingdom.  Whether it is a Mitt Romney victory of a President Obama victory the Lord Jesus is still on the throne and is still working all things together for the good of His people and the advancement of His Kingdom.  Celebrate that.  Yeah, let’s celebrate when Roe v. Wade is overturned.  Let’s celebrate when things reflect the coming kingdom.  But let’s not celebrate like the kingdom is now in full swing because President Obama loses. 
2. We are blowing a gospel opportunity.  You know why the MSM were so sad and blown away by the Romney victory?  You know why people were so disheartened by their fumbling president?  It’s because he—and the ideology which he represents—has become the functional savior of many.  What a great time to heal wounds caused by a toppled idol.  What a marvelous time to share about the King that won’t taste defeat.  Not in a bragging type of way but in a grace-filled way that realizes no matter if you ride elephants or a donkey you’ve seen your own idols crumble and have found that only Jesus is a rock on which to stand.  If President Obama falls there are going to be myriads of people whose hope falls with him.  These people don’t need mocked, they need the gospel.
3. Nobody likes a poor winner.  I thought Mitt Romney really excelled in giving a view of America that is less about which side of the aisle you are on and more about doing the hard things to get our country back on track.  He seemed less concerned about “the enemy” and more concerned about the advancement of his kingdom (and that’s not the kingdom of Jesus, by the way).  When Republicans gloat on Thursday morning they subtly communicate that politics are more important than the nation.  It’s off-putting.  And it will give plenty of people a reason to start pulling for the newly crowned underdog.  Republicans don’t want to make this an emotional debate.  They need to keep it about issues.  Mocking photos of the President doesn’t do that. 

Let’s celebrate the right victories and be certain that when people are disappointed by fallen people that we not trample them and mock them but instead we point them to our Surety; namely Jesus Christ.

Spoons In Your Fridge

“Nikki!  What in the world are you doing?  You can’t do that!”  I gently said to my dear wife. 

She had just committed an unpardonable sin in my home of origin.  She…are you ready for my unveiling of her dastardly crime…she…left a…spoon…in our leftovers…and…oh the humanity!…put said bowl and spoon…in the refrigerator!!!

Apparently, she is hell bent on killing our entire family.  At least that is the way that I was raised to think.  Nikki in tears of laughter—or maybe pain, I never can tell—informed me that this little spoon rule was nothing more than an old wives tale.  I think she also began taunting me by sticking the spoon in the fridge and then her mouth. 

As I began thinking about this I realized that it is a little ludicrous.  But, after some research, I discovered that my mother is not totally insane.  At least not on this point.  Or at least she wouldn’t have been insane about 50 years ago.  It is maybe possible somewhat likely that a copper or aluminum spoon could actually cause some problems with your food if left in leftovers in your fridge and consumed later.  Problem is we no longer use aluminum spoons and the ones that we have in our home could be left in the fridge for weeks and never do any damage. 

So, I lived for a good 25 years of my life with a death fear of spoons placed in a refrigerator.  This was life changing information for me. 

Sin, Familiarity, and Light

What is the point of this story?  As Charles Bridges has said

Indeed it is the fearful property of sin to hide its own character and tendency.  The blindness increases in proportion to our familiarity with it.  (Commentary on Proverbs 14:12, page 177)

I never realized that my fear of spoons and refrigerators was woefully misinformed until I was placed outside my family of origin and entered the world of another.  Because of my familiarity with this spoon rule my blindness was never exposed.  It’s the same way with sin.

As Bridges states sin doesn’t like to show itself for what it is.  Sin likes to hide in the dark and make you think it isn’t there.  Or at least it makes itself not seem so bad as it exposes it’s half truth but masks its deadly poison.  The more familiar we are with these particular sins the less likely we are to see them for what they really are. 

Because of this tendency of sin three things are absolutely necessary for living the Christian life.  The darkness of sin is only exposed by:

1. The light of the Word
2. The light of the Spirit
3. The light of the redeemed community

We need the church, the Scriptures, and the work of the Spirit to overcome the blindness to our sin.  May we be like David who said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” 

And then may we be bold enough to place ourselves under the light of the Word, the Spirit and the redeemed community. 

The Soul of the House

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down (Proverbs 14:1)

Commenting on this passage Charles Bridges says:

…the wife [is] a blessing or a curse to her husband.  Such is she to his house.  Her wisdom may supply many of his defects; while all the results of his care and prudence may be wasted by her folly.  The godly matron is the very soul of the house.  She instructs her children by her example, no less than by her teachings.  She educates them for God and for eternity; not to shine in the vain show of the world, but in the Church of God…

But mark the foolish woman—her idleness, waste, love of pleasure, want of all forethought and care, her children’s wills allowed, their souls neglected, their happiness ruined!  We see her house plucked down in confusion.  A sad issue, if an enemy had done this!  But it is the doing, or rather undoing, of her own hands.  In proportion to her power and influence is the capability of family mischief…

In other words the influence of the woman is very great as it concerns the spirit of the home.  It’s no wonder then that Bridges went on to say, “What responsibility then belongs to the marriage choice, linked with the highest interests of unborn generations!” 

Wives, pursue wisdom and drink deeply from the fountain of grace.  Husbands, nurture your wives.  Future wives, don’t wait for marriage to get wisdom.  Pursue it now.  Future husbands, look for a woman that is pursuing God and His wisdom.  

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Write with “Stumblers” in Mind

You’ve all met the guy that has a ton of theological knowledge but little experience in how to apply it.  He has a library of systematic theology, biblical studies, and “how to do ministry” books that is growing faster than a rabbit’s family after its wedding night.  Yet when it comes to needing counsel you’d probably rather talk with your drunken Uncle Jack because at least he’d understand what you are going through. 

For those that love knowledge and truth and facts and Bible Trivia it can be really difficult to also love a very basic principle: every truth is not fitting for every person or for every time.  This is why Proverbs 12:23 says

A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. 

Charles Bridges rightly comments on this passage that, “knowledge is a talent to be wisely, not promiscuously, communicated.”  Of course we are never to hide the precious truths of the gospel.  Gospel preaching is never to be closed for the season.  But there are some things of which it is quite prudent to conceal for a season. 

The Problem with Blogging

This truth creates a problem for blogging.  Whenever I hit “publish” on my Windows Live Writer, and my latest article makes its way to Al Gore’s basement only to then be jettisoned out into the world wide web for all to read, I have no control over who reads it.  I have a vague idea of my audience but for the most part I never really know who will read it. 

This can become problematic because not everything I write is meant for every person in my audience.  Take my recent article on Why I’m Opposed to New Calvinism.  That is meant for a very select audience.  There are people that could very easily stumble upon my blog and read that and be confused rather than helped.  While I mean it to be helpful to one slice of my audience it could actually stir up a sense of disunity within other spheres of my influence. 

This problem is even greater because almost every modern reader instinctively believes that they can handle everything that is written by every author.  If you can Google it you can handle it, is the assumption.  But that is simply not true. 

I’m not ready to read much of anything in the realm of astro-physics.  (I’m not even sure what Astro-physics is except for trying to understand the science behind the movement of the Jetson family dog).  In the same way there are certain theological concepts and discussions that are not meant for everyone.  Not that it’s hidden or there is some vast conspiracy to keep knowledge from you.  It’s just that there are a few prerequisites that you ought to read and grasp first. 

In sum, this is the conundrum.  Not every truth is fitting for every person or for every time.  Almost every modern reader assumes that today is the right season for his acquisition of this knowledge.  I can’t stop him from reading what I publish.  So how do I “conceal knowledge” when it is prudent to do so?  Should I shut down the blog even though it can be beneficial to a great number of people?  I don’t think that is the answer. 

A Small Solution

Though it may be difficult to actively “conceal knowledge” that may not be helpful for some readers, I can do a couple of things to apply this proverb.  First, I can diligently labor to not be the fool described in the latter half of the verse. 

Charles Bridges describes the fool well:

The fool however proclaims his foolishness.  He imprudently opens his heart.  He is dogmatical in dispute, when wiser men are cautious.  He is teaching, when he ought to take the learner’s place; his self-confidence proclaiming his emptiness.  Self-distrust and humility are most important, to enable us to improve the gifts of God for his glory.

I don’t want to simply write as fool who spews about with every passing thought that comes to my mind.  I want to be a careful blogger.  When I ought to take the learner’s place I want to humbly sit there.  When I ought to be cautious instead of dogmatic I want to be.  And at the same time in the things in which I ought to teach in and be dogmatic on I want to do with grace, passion, and humility. 

The second thing that I can do to follow this proverb is write with the “stumbler” in mind.  By “stumbler” I don’t mean the poor lad that stumbles into sin because of something he reads.  Although, I do want to avoid millstones around my neck that is not what I mean in this context.  What I mean by “stumbler” is the person that “just so happens to have stumbled onto my blog”. 

And let me tell you there have been some really weird “stumbles” onto Borrowed Light.  I get a good flow of traffic each month from people looking for “little kittens”, “cousin Eddie”, and “bitter old men”.  My goal is to write in such a way that the guy who finds my article on Cousin Eddie may also see the beauty of Christ as well.  So as I write every article I want to have the “stumbler” in the back of my mind. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Avoiding the Temptation to Crush Heads

Enjoy this video:

 

This video proves that if you distance yourself just far enough from people and change your perspective just enough you can make yourself a giant and other people but tiny ants. 

I wish this poor chap was alone in his delusion.  But I fear we bloggers may give him a good bit of company.  It is no accident that bloggers have gotten a bad rap as those that don housecoats and live in their mothers basement and spend all their days straining gnats and swallowing camels.  Every blogger can be tempted to use lofty and dicing words to sit atop our throne and crush the heads of all those that aren't within close proximity of our theological camps.

It is to expected that the very tools of the trade—namely, words—can be used to either exalt Christ and build up other or to tear down and belittle.  Spend anytime in the world of blogs and especially comments and you will see numerous examples of belittling.  Spend a little time on a sports blog or political blog and you will see several “I’m crushing your head” type of statements. 

Yet Christian blogging must rise above this level.  After all Proverbs 11:12 reminds us that, "Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent."  Faithful bloggers will avoid "Crushing Your Head".  Faithful bloggers will view themselves accurately and those with whom they differ with respect and courtesy.  Faithful bloggers don't belittle.

What Must Be Present for Belittling to Occur

There are a couple of things that had to be present in order for the head crusher in the above video to accomplish his goal of belittling every passerby.  Those that desire to belittle will want to take note. 

First, you have to keep your distance from your opponent.  It's much harder to belittle someone that you have supper with.  Of course you still can belittle those that are close to you, but it is more difficult to do so without feeling the effects.  You can't squish your next door neighbor like a bug without getting your hands filthy with bug guts.  So if you want to be good at belittling others then by all means keep yourself a safe distance from those you wish to crush.

Secondly, in order to belittle someone you have to think of yourself as a giant and your opponent as an ant.  This directly rejects the admonition of Philippians 2:3 to "in humility count others more significant than yourselves."  When we belittle another person we are making them smaller than they actually are (often denying the work and image of God within them).  We also have to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to.  Both of these come from an inadequate view of God, as well as self.

Faithful blogging comes from acknowledging that the people we interact with are actually living, breathing, yard-mowing, teeth-brushing, water-drinking people just like ourselves.  They are no better than people.  But they are certainly not less. 

Faithful bloggers rub shoulders with their opponents and make every attempt to view them from up close and not hiding behind a bush so that they can fool themselves into thinking they are giants and their opponent and ant.  The only head-crushing that needs to go on in the Christian blogsophere is when believers stand behind Christ as he overturns the works of the devil and crushes the head of the serpent.  But he doesn’t do that as a delusional goon from behind a bush.  He gets close.  He looks death in the face.  And he crushes it for real.  Let’s follow suit. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: How to Have Something to Say Without Being a Fool

In my years of blogging I have read a fair amount of articles on how to create a successful blog that receives a steady flow of traffic.  One piece of advice that is always present on these “How to Be an Awesome Blogger” lists is that you need to write frequently.  If you want to become a better writer and a successful blogger you need to at least post something daily. 

Yet there is another piece of advice that in some form or another is always present on these lists; namely, you need to have something to say.  Any schmuck could post something on a blog daily.  Just as an schmuck can post to Twitter of Facebook 12 times in 15 minutes.  Unfortunately for schmucks nobody really wants to know updates on various bowel movements, your opinion on foreign cheeses, or your minute by minute opinion of the happenings on C-Span.  If you want an audience you need to give them something worthy of reading. 

There really is more at stake here than just being able to gain traffic.  Not only did Jesus say we would be judged by every idle word spoken, but we also have a helpful Proverb that encourages the restraint of the lips (and probably tips of your fingers tapping away at your mobile device). 

    When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
        but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
    The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
        the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
    The lips of the righteous feed many,
        but fools die for lack of sense.
(Proverbs 10:19-21 ESV)

The Faithful Blogger’s Conundrum

You have to write every day.  But you cannot just write anything.  It needs to be seasoned with grace.  It needs to be edifying.  If we want to avoid talking as fools then we will avoid being ranked among those that “talk for ever upon nothing” (Bridges, 102). 

Some 150 years before Al Gore invented the internet, Charles Bridges speaks well to the blogger’s task:

…it is surely our wisdom to refrain our lips…not indeed to silence, but in caution; to weigh our words before uttering them; never speaking, except when we have something to say; speaking only just enough; considering the time, circumstances, and person; what is solid suitable, and profitable.

In other words we probably should only write when we have something to say.  And when we do write we should say “only just enough” and not labor on and on.  Yet, there is still that pressing dictum POST SOMETHING EVERYDAY.  What is a faithful blogger to do?

The Blogger’s Resource

There are two things that will help you to have something to say without being a fool.  First, be a Christian.  That means that you have the “indwelling Word” and because of this “the mouth of the righteous man is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11).  The Spirit of God works in the life of the believer to make his tongue “choice silver” and to help “feed many”.  If you are a believer in Jesus you have something to say, every day, because His mercies are new every morning. 

Second, keep a notebook.  Proverbs 10:5 says, “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame”.  Also 10:14 says, “The wise lay up knowledge”.  Not every day will feel like summer.  Yes, you have the Spirit of God and yes, his mercies are new every morning.  But some days are wintery and blisteringly cold.  It’s hard to see and feel the sunshine on those days.  You need a notebook filled with July’s insights when life hands you December.  Work your tail off in July so that your December isn’t barren.

I want to give a few practical tips on that next time…

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: How to Tell If I Really Desire Wisdom

    Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
        and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
    Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
        reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
    Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
        teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
(Proverbs 9:7-9 ESV)

“You really shanked this article.  I’m surprised that the folks at your church aren’t gathering sticks as pyre for torching you for heresy”. 

“You know I’ve read through this article and either it is not making sense to me or I just cannot agree with it.  I think you are wrong and here are 74 reasons why…”

“Your comment is absolutely ignorant.  I can’t believe someone that calls himself a Christian and would say something so asinine” 

“Thanks for your comment.  I believe you have misrepresented my position and here are 5 reasons why.  Nonetheless, thanks for the comment.  I look forward to your response.  Grace”.

Regardless, of the level of truthfulness within or the tone underneath each of these statements how I respond to them has much to say about my desire for wisdom.  If I respond with intent to injure, hatred, and defensiveness then it is quite likely that I do not really desire wisdom.  I only want to be right.  I want to be worshipped not used as a humble servant of a King. 

Yet, if I respond (and not just pretend to respond because that’s what Proverbs says I’m to do but truly respond) with a desire to learn, grow, and a thankfulness for being sharpened there is a good chance that I really am pursuing wisdom. 

So, check your heart.  What does your response to other peoples response (whether a good rebuke or a jerky one) tell you about your desire to pursue wisdom? 

Now be nice in the comments…I couldn’t bear an insult. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Wisdom is Better Than Traffic

    Take my instruction instead of silver,
        and knowledge rather than choice gold,
    for wisdom is better than jewels,
        and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
(Proverbs 8:10-11 ESV)

The “gold” and “silver” for a blogger is web traffic.  Even if you do not sell ads on your blog (which I do not) you write because you want to be heard.  Good writers write because they love the craft.  And there is a very real sense in which writers would write well and enjoy writing even if nobody read what they wrote.  But I think most every writer also wants an audience. 

Blogging On Every “Dust-Up”

Every couple of weeks there is some “dust up” that happens within the Christian quadrant of the internets.  Awhile back there was a “kerfuffle” in the SBC world (that spilled over into the secular society too).  Richard Land made some remarks about the Trayvon Martin case that were deemed as racist.  (Personally, I was against his comments and I have never been a huge fan of the ERLC).  For a couple of weeks, at least within the SBC, this was the big story.  If you wanted traffic you would have put the name “Richard Land” in your title. 

This blog remained silent on the issue.

Why?

Because I do not have enough wisdom in this matter to write well.  I could have drummed something up and I might have been able to make it intriguing, perhaps humorous, and maybe even semi-coherent.  Yet, I know that I would not have been blogging with wisdom.  Therefore, I remained silent and let those that can speak with wisdom to speak—and those that are just speaking fizzle themselves out. 

Blogging on the Big C

Not Cancer.  Calvinism.  You want hits—especially if you are frequent those within the SBC then put Calvinism in your title.  Sometimes, I will blog on Calvinism.  Why?  Honestly, I think I have something to say in this issue.  Others can probably say it better.  Many could say it with more wisdom.  But this is an area—though controversial--that sometimes I believe God can use me to provide perspective. 

Yet, even still I do not always join in the debates.  Especially in comment streams. 

Why?

Unfortunately, in this discussion personal opinion and emotionalism drives the bus far more than Lady Wisdom.  Sometimes it is akin to throwing your pearls before swine.  That may sound strong but I refuse to dance the dance with those that aren’t pursuing wisdom.  It could get me traffic to try to expose the ignorant ramblings of some Calvinist-haters or Arminian-bashers but at the end of the day who really cares?  I want wisdom more than I want traffic. 

Blog traffic is fleeting.  Wisdom endures even longer than precious jewels.  I think I’ll pursue the latter. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: The Battle for Faithful Blogging is Won Before You Touch the Keyboard

For the past couple days I have looked at Proverbs 7 from the perspective of which it is written: battling seduction from an adulterous woman.  (See here and here).  The central point that can be gathered from Proverbs 7 is that the battle against the seductive woman is not won on the streets but from the window.   Once that foolish guy was walking towards her house he was as good as dead.  If you want to battle inappropriate sex its a war that is waged long before you get into the heat of the moment. 

I believe that you can extend this principle to faithful blogging and commenting as well.  That is, in part, the reason for this series on Proverbs for Christian Blogging.  I believe that there is a very valid and helpful place for blogging in the life of the church.  I believe that even comments can be edifying and helpful to the body of Christ.  Yet, I also believe that we need to raise the bar on our interaction with one another—both in blog posts and in comments. 

I could probably ramble on for about 500 more words but I will spare you and myself.  If you want to be a faithful blogger then it’s not going to come by accident.  That battle is won long before you sit down at your computer and type out articles, comments, and tweets. 

Battling Seduction From Your Window Instead of On the Streets

“For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice…”  Proverbs 7:6

I do not believe that it is an accident that Solomon’s advice comes from the window instead of on the streets.  Yesterday I noted from Proverbs 7 the path of seduction.  I also noted that if you find yourself on this path, according to the Proverbs, there is great likelihood that you will end up gutted like a deer in a tree.  That is because the battle against seduction is often won from the window instead of on the streets. 

Though we can find help by looking at 7:11-23 it is not in those verses that the advice is found.  These verses really only tell the story of seduction.  The preceding and concluding verses is where Solomon gives advice.  This story of seduction began before this guy even met up with the seductive woman.  Solomon says here, “Do you want to see an idiot?  It’s that guy that walks next to the harlots house.”

The Idiot’s Cover

My guess is that somewhere along the way this guy has figured out how to “stumble onto” this seduction.  If somebody questioned this guy he could probably say, “she came onto me, yeah I should have said no, but she made it really hard to say no”.  He would be able to give one of those speeches that athletes give when they screw up.  “I would like to formally apologize to the Super Awesome Football Team and all her fans for my foolish actions.  I was wrong.  I made a wrong decision in the heat of the moment and I am sorry for the pain that my actions have caused.  I want to reassure you that this is not who I am.  This is not me.  I made a bad choice.  Please forgive me”. 

All is forgotten.  Homeboy starts catching footballs again, juking out linebackers, and he’s back on the cover of Sports Illustrated even though he shattered a few families just months ago.  And it’s all well and good because we know that we make mistakes and this was just a silly decision he made in the heat of the moment. 

Why “Heat of the Moment” Reveals Character

I have counseled high school students that are devastated and surprised that they messed up in the heat of the moment.  They are shocked that they ended up having sex when all they did was share a sleeping bag together.  But the truth is you can do a gazillion Bible studies on purity and sign your name to a True Love Waits card more times than Justin Bieber has signed posters for 13 year old girls, but if you are a straight dude with a heartbeat sleeping next to a real girl that isn’t your sister there is a pretty good chance you will end up having some form of inappropriate sex.

Then they explain, this isn’t me, man!  You know I studied all about purity.  You know I’ve got my True Love Waits ring.  The problem is, this is you, and you know it.  What happens in the heat of the moment wouldn’t have had the opportunity to happen if you hadn’t planned the night alone in her parents basement.  Yes there is redemption for you and forgiveness and healing, but usually not until you acknowledge that it was you in that sleeping bag. 

That “heat of the moment” actually reveals the battle that waged before you even were on the street.  If you end up alone in the basement, next to a girl in a sleeping bag, or walking outside a brothel, your having been strung up like a deer in some girls dad’s backyard was set in motion long before the “heat of the moment”.  The “heat of the moment” only reveals whether or not you did battle when looking from your window. 

The Battle Isn’t What You Might Think

Though I think True Love Waits has an important place within the church and it is well worth our time to study purity, these are not the primary weapons to be used in this battle.  Solomon calls it “wisdom”.  Those living on the other side of the Cross call it the gospel. 

Unless Christ is precious in your heart you will continue to “stumble on” to the path of seduction.  You will wage a mock war against lust and feel like a victim whenever the harlot ensnares you.  You’ll follow all the rules and set all the guards up to keep you away from these things.  (These are wise.  These are good).  But chances are—especially in our sex-crazed society—you are going to get a Victoria’s Secret catalog in the mail, a night alone in a hotel room, or a legitimate seduction that you weren’t even close to pursuing.  Unless you have already done battle “from the window” your probably a dead man. 

How do you do battle “from the window”?  You grow in your affections for Jesus.  You grow in your satisfaction in Jesus.  When your identity is shaped by Him then the harlot’s ploy rings hollow.  When Christ is seen as more valuable than anything else her tricks lose their luster.  When you live in light her empty promise of darkness seems foolish.  It is going to take something bigger than your affection for God to seduce you away from light into darkness.  The more that affection grows the less likely the seduction will prosper. 

Yes, you make yourself aware of the damning consequences of the harlot.  Yes, you acquaint yourself with her seductive patterns.  Yes, you become convinced that the cheeseburger stand away from her house sells just as good of burgers as the one next to her house.  But the best way to battle from the window is by falling more deeply in love with Jesus and the gifts He has already bestowed instead of fixing your eyes on the forbidden. 

The Path of Seduction, Or How You Ended Up Gutted Like a Deer in a Tree

And behold, the woman meets him,
        dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
    She is loud and wayward;
        her feet do not stay at home;
    now in the street, now in the market,
        and at every corner she lies in wait.
    She seizes him and kisses him,
        and with bold face she says to him,
    “I had to offer sacrifices,
        and today I have paid my vows;
    so now I have come out to meet you,
        to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.
    I have spread my couch with coverings,
        colored linens from Egyptian linen;
    I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,
        aloes, and cinnamon.
    Come, let us take our fill of love till morning;
        let us delight ourselves with love.
    For my husband is not at home;
        he has gone on a long journey;
    he took a bag of money with him;
        at full moon he will come home.”
(Proverbs 7:10-20 ESV)

This is the speech of the harlot, this is her seductive ploy.  It’s easier to see through her seduction when you are viewing the exchange from the window of your house.  But when you are on the street walking next to her house the sounds of the siren are often too noisy to say no to. 

The battle against the harlot is often won or lost before you even leave you house.  The Proverbs seem to indicate that once you get within earshot of her “smooth talk” you are going to be compelled and like an ox goes to the slaughter you’re going to mindlessly walk yourself into the slaughterhouse. 

That is why it is important in these moments of sanity to pick her lies apart.  If we recognize the path of seduction for what it is before we start down that road, hopefully if we are ever caught dumbfounded we can recognize that we are on the path of seduction.  Rarely will you be allured by a sign that says, “Slaughter, This Way”. 

There are four lies in her speech that are worth noting. 

1) I’ve got the something extra.  When guys go shopping we want to think that we walked out of the store having stuck it to the man.  We want to think that we—of all the other men in the store—have hunted and gathered the best product and we did it at the best price.  In order to be successful the harlot has to convince the guy that she has that something extra. 

In verse 14 she says, “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows”. The implication from these peace offerings is that she has luxurious meat at home. She has that something extra to put her over the top, to catch his eye, and to make him desire. I’m the best product in the store. You take me home=alpha male. You’ve beat all the other dudes out there.

2) You are something special.  At this point the guy might be wondering whether or not he has what it takes to get this jewel home. She is the best product in the store, but is he really the alpha male? She is what he wants but does he have what it takes to get her?

Enter the speech and actions of the harlot. She wants you to believe that you are not like all her other johns.  She is seeking you eagerly.  There is something special about you, man.  You’ve got what it takes.  You know I could have many other guys.  But I want you, champ.

He’s hooked, he’s ready to move up to the purchase counter and lay his claim as alpha-male.

3) This really is going to be awesome. At this point the guy is going through purchase anxiety. You’ve had that haven’t you? That long walk from the back of the store to the check out line where you begin asking yourself if you really want and need a portable jack with the power to lift up your monster truck. “Wait, I don’t even have a monster truck,” you begin to ask. And then the battle begins—do I buy this thing or not?

Here she lays it on thick. “I have spread my couch…I have perfumed by bed…this is going to last all night…this will be filled with delight”. You want this product! Don’t even consider putting this product back on the shelf. You put this back on the shelf you are an idiot and some other alpha-male will know what is good for him and he’ll be walking out of the store with the deal of the day. This is going to be awesome—don’t miss out on this.

4) Nobody will ever know. Maximum pleasure with no consequences. This is the get yourself in a boatload of debt at 0% APR for 2 years deal. You get to enjoy this thing for two years without even making a payment, no interest for two years, just enjoy it. No consequences.

Added to all of these lies is the lure of the forbidden. This is the last hurdle for this stag to go through. If you can be convinced that you can have all of this pleasure with no consequences then you can rest assured given enough time you will be hung upside down outside of tree with your guts on the floor. You are well on your way to slaughter.

Next time I want to discuss how to do battle from your window instead of on the street…

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Am I Sowing Discord?

    A worthless person, a wicked man,
        goes about with crooked speech,
    winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,
        points with his finger,
    with perverted heart devises evil,
        continually sowing discord;
    therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;
        in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
    There are six things that the LORD hates,
        seven that are an abomination to him:
    haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
        and hands that shed innocent blood,
    a heart that devises wicked plans,
        feet that make haste to run to evil,
    a false witness who breathes out lies,
        and one who sows discord among brothers.
(Proverbs 6:12-19 ESV)

A wise husband studies and knows his wife.  He knows the things that she may be sensitive to.  He knows what “pushes her buttons” and he comes to know the things that would make her shed tears.  A good husband knows these things and does not do them.  He doesn’t just carelessly say, “Ah, this might hurt her feelings but oh well, it’s funny, it’ll get a laugh from the guys”.  No, a good husband doesn’t even take the chance.

One of the things that the Lord says that he abhors is “sowing discord among brothers”.  Notice in the list the six things he hates, seven that are an abomination.  This is a poetic way of highlighting the Lord’s hatred of one sowing discord among brothers.  Of course that begs a question, “what constitutes sowing discord”? 

From the context we know that this discord comes from a wicked heart that manifests itself in crooked speech.  The idea of one “going about, winking, signaling, and pointing” shows that this person has his aim to cause conflict, to exploit situations, and to gain personal advantage*. 

Just as I know my wife and want to be cautious and I never desire to cause her harm, so also I know that the LORD abhors the one who sows discord among brothers.  I want to be cautious not to be that guy.  I can probably cut out a good deal of discord sowing just by checking my heart before I blog or comment.  But at the end of the day I also know that my heart can be fooled.  So I ask three questions before writing an article that could be in the ballpark of sowing discord among brothers.

Three Questions for Articles I Write:

1. Is my goal to expose or shame a brother?  If we are talking exposing a wolf, then it’s not sowing discord.  Some people might be upset and accuse me of sowing discord because I say that the teaching of prosperity teachers is whack and that they are wolves in sheep clothing.  That’s not exposing a brother that’s telling your sheep to watch out for a wolf.  But there is a different type of “exposing” that goes on in some popular blogs.  They follow a typical formula.  Person X said “blah blah” but I’m not sure that he really believes that because he also said “blah blah”.  If I’m trying to expose some vast conspiracy or the heart and motivation of another person I’m probably off my rocker.
2. Am I trying to make my audience pick sides between two polarizing people?  I think I have at least bordered on guilt in this one in the past.  If I say something like John Piper teaches X, Joel Osteen teaches Y, and then ask who is more biblical?  I think I’m sowing discord.  If my goal is to say that Piper is biblical then I should just say that and not use the article to take a shot at Osteen.  If I think Osteen is teaching something against Scripture then I should compare him to Scripture alone and not throw Piper in there as well.  Because at the end of the day all that does is creates Piper followers and Osteen haters (or vice versa) and that’s not the goal. 
3. Am I misrepresenting somebody?  If I say that somebody believes something then I should be able to print off my article, hand it to them, and have them say, “yep, that’s what I believe”.  If I make logical jumps, inferences, etc. and say this is what you really believe no matter how many times he disagrees with what I think he said then I’m sowing discord because I’m causing a headache for a guy that doesn’t even hold a position that I am accusing him of. 

Three Questions for Commenting:

1. Am I engaging in a “dude did you see this?”  If I find an article of somebody dogging my friend, or another figure, its pointless for me to go to his website and then link to the guy that disagrees with him.  It’s just sowing discord.  It’s really no different than in your everyday life if you overheard gossip and then told your friend, “dude, do you know what Tom said about you”. 
2. Would I say the same thing with both parties present?  If my story would change and the way I represent one persons position then I’m sowing discord.  If I am bold in trashing a guy behind his back but not when he is there I should shut my yapper and stop sowing seeds of discord. 
3. Am I encouraging the online community to pit people against people or people against Scripture?  This is very similar to #2 above just in the realm of commenting.  If an article disagrees with Piper then it might be best to summarize his point and tell why you think he is more biblically persuasive rather than just saying, “Piper disagrees”, then providing a link.

At the end of the day a deluded heart will probably read through this list and say, “I don’t do that”.  I have a discernment ministry and I’m always exposing wolves.  A more humble heart will read through these and add caution to his/her blogging and commenting.  For me, if God says He abhors one who sows discord among brothers I am going to be pretty cautious about doing anything that may look like sowing these seeds. 

---

*I got that from my ESV Study Bible

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Be Joyously Content With Your Own Portion

    Let your fountain be blessed,
        and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
        a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
    Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;
        be intoxicated always in her love.
    Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman
        and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
(Proverbs 5:18-20 ESV)

It may seem like a stretch to compare fulfillment within the sexual intimacy of marriage with blogging.  Yet, I do think there is a root issue that motivates both adultery and bad blogging.  That root is the failure to be satisfied with the portion that the Lord has given you. 

The man that refuses to “drink water from his own cistern” does so because he thinks the water somewhere else is going to taste better and be more fulfilling.  He has lost satisfaction in the well that the Lord has given him.  He has bought the lie that God is holding out on him and that tasting forbidden fruit will supply what he lacks. 

The same principle applies to the blogger that sells out for traffic.  Really bad and irresponsible blogging comes from a heart that is not satisfied with its audience.  The times when I have hit publish too soon (or when I should have not hit publish at all) came from an inordinate desire to be heard or noticed as opposed to a steady desire to be faithful. 

If you have seven followers, and four them are your mom signing in on different accounts, then be joyously content in the portion that the Lord has given you.  Be faithful with this little, keep plodding, keep proclaiming, and keep honing your writing skills.  If the Lord sees fit he might increase your number of readers.  But you could also tick off your mom and lose half your followers.  Regardless, your goal is to be faithful.  Be joyously content that God has given you the gospel and that you are used by him to articulate it—even if its to one dear soul. 

Don’t sell out.  Take joy in being faithful and keep on lifting up Christ.  Enjoy the ideas that the Lord is giving you.  Chew on them.  Let them penetrate your own life.  Be intoxicated in the gifts that He has given you and not enamored by the gifts that He has given to another dude.  Your well is your own to enjoy.  So enjoy it regardless of how deep it goes. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: The Necessity of Fixed Eyes and Guarded Hearts

It was my second concussion that was the most embarrassing.  It was a rainy Friday afternoon, when I finally had the opportunity to play football with the big boys.  (Of course, I’m not really sure that it was rainy—I was concussed, remember—but it sounds good anyways). 

Here I was 4’8, 12 years old, and finally playing football with my dad and his friends on lunch break.  Being the short kid all through elementary school (and even now in adult life) I know that I’m going to be underestimated until I prove myself.  In football I would never get a pass thrown my way until I could show my ninja skills by intercepting passes on defense. 

We had been playing for about 10-15 minutes and I still was getting very little action.  Then, it happened.  Nobody else must have been open.  The quarterback threw a pass my way.  I caught it and took off running like the wind (probably more of a minor breeze).  I was really gaining some yards, juking and spinning, and getting past all those older guys.  I was yards away from the touchdown, when all of a sudden I found myself at home on the couch. 

What happened you ask?  Did one of the big guys catch me?  Nope.  My foe was much more gangly and solid than any of my dads co-workers.  My demise came from a steadily rusting jungle gym.  (One of those things that is pictured off to the side).  I ran smack into that thing full speed.  It knocked me out and ruined my chance at stardom and my dad’s opportunity to eat his ham sandwich during lunch break. 

Here I learned what Proverbs taught years ago:

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. (Proverbs 4:25 ESV)

In other words if you are too busy juking and spinning and looking behind at the guys chasing you, then you’ll miss the rock solid jungle gym that is getting ready to smack you in the face. 

Focused Blogging

I have found blogging to be similar to not running into a jungle gym.  There are a million things that can distract bloggers.  Tons of controversy.  Lots of books being written and ideas being tossed around.  Many solutions to perceived problems.  A myriad of interpretations of Scripture and application points being proffered.  It can be quite easy to get swept up in the ever changing world wide web. 

Faithful bloggers will have a consistent goal (one that is grounded in the unchanging gospel) and keep their eyes on that; otherwise you’ll just be tossed to and fro by the ever changing online climate.  For me I have made it my aim to “so live and so study and so serve and so preach and so write that Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen God, be the only boast of this generation”.  That’s a tweak of a John Piper quote in Don’t Waste Your Life. 

Guarding Your Heart

The means to “fixing your gaze” and “putting away crooked speech” (4:24) and “pondering the path of your feet” (4:26) is found in Proverbs 4:23.  “Keep your heart with vigilance for from it flow the springs of life.”  If my heart is not kept then it will be distracted.  I will begin chasing after the wind.  My writing will be for personal gain instead of for the majesty of Christ being proclaimed.  Therefore, I must consistently guard my heart.  If my heart can be distracted then my blogging will be distracted. 

Again I find Charles Bridges instructive:

The man of God must only have one standard…He must often put aside the Church, no less than the world, that he may listen more closely to the command—Walk before me.  He must discern and crush the first motions of corruption; guarding every avenue of sin—the senses—the memory—the imagination—the touch—the taste.  He must walk by the straight rule of the Gospel; else will he not only bring discomfort upon himself, but stumbling to the Church.  A single eye, steadily fixed upon the One Object, will make the path luminous.  (From Commentary on Proverbs, 55)

It is vital that we blog with a fixed eye and a guarded heart. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Don’t Pick a Fight That Isn’t Yours

“Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm” –Proverbs 3:30

In other words don’t pick fights that aren’t yours.  That sounds reasonable enough but it kind of begs a question: what fight is mine? 

Consider this example.  I attend The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I have a vested interest in what happens there.  Dr. Albert Mohler is our President.  He is someone that I consider to be a very faithful man and a great leader.  In a very real sense he is one of the authorities that the Lord has placed in my life.  So, what happens when bloggers start taking on Dr. Mohler?  Is this my fight?  It involves me…sort of.

Or another example.  I am a pastor at First Baptist Jasper in Indiana.  I certainly have a vested interest in what happens here.  If the local paper began maligning one of our members would this be my fight?  It involves me…sort of. 

Though it is difficult to wade through these questions it is not impossible.  In his commentary on the Proverbs Charles Bridges notes:

We must guard…against causeless strivings.  A propensity to embroil ourselves in quarrels kindles strife, instead of following the rule of peace.  This spirit is a great hindrance to holiness and inconsistent with a true servant of God.  Irritable persons strongly insist upon their rights, or what they conceive to be due to them from others.  ‘Is there not’—say they—‘a cause?’  But impartial observers frequently judge it to be a striving without cause; that no harm has been done; none at least to justify the breach of love; that more love on one hand, and more forbearance on the other, would have prevented the breach; that ‘there is utterly a fault—Why do ye not rather take wrong?’” (Bridges, 39)

From Bridges’ commentary, the rest of Scripture, and my own experience I have developed these ten questions that I at least subliminally consider when deciding to “contend”. 

1. Is this really “harm”?  Will a response from me only ratchet up the offense (add fuel to the fire)?  Sometimes we make things a bigger deal simply by pointing them out or challenging someone on them.  If it’s not actually harm then don’t ride your sled down the slippery slope and make a big deal out of nothing.
2. How directly involved am I?  Is this my wife being maligned or is this a friend of a guy I knew in college?
3. What is my heart in this?  Am I going to contend just to show how masterfully I can argue my points?  Is my contention just to gain notoriety or to win an argument?  Do I have a natural propensity to unnecessary controversy?  If I do, then I had better proceed with caution.
4. Does my opinion matter?  Of course, like your grandma says everybody’s opinion matters.  But some opinions matter more.  That’s just life, sorry granny.  Per the above example concerning Dr. Mohler.  At this particular time in my life even if I “defended” Dr. Mohler from negative blogs—my opinion carries such little weight on these issues because I’m so far removed from his position that I probably should just let others closer to the situation deal with it. 
5. Is this a “fire” issue?  Am I defending the deity of Christ or am I defending what prison Paul was in when he wrote Philippians? 
6. Can the offense be covered in love?  Seriously, can I reasonably just drop this or will it continue plaguing my soul.  If you aren’t sure wait a day before responding to that blog comment.  If you “lost your chance” or you aren’t as fired up about it tomorrow it’s probably a good thing you hit “cancel reply”. 
7. What do impartial observers say?  I know in our instant online society you post a tweet—it’s awesome for about 20 minutes and then nobody really remembers it.  But perhaps before entering a contention you should ask a few people that are distant observers. 
8. Is it helpful to simply “eat this one”?  Most controversies will die out if you don’t respond to them.  Is that helpful?  Can you just not respond?  So what if a guy leaves a comment and thinks that my article was really dumb and he is upset that I misused a comma. 
9. Do I have the right to interject truth?  I’m a little more quick to “contend” or give my opinion if it is with someone that is in my church.  I have “won the right” to interject truth.  But I don’t have any plans to write Rob Bell and tell him to repent.  Others have “won the right” to interject truth.  There are some issues that I should just leave up to a guys pastor or accountability group to deal with. 
10. Should my contention be public or private?  Even if I do decide that I ought to contend I still cannot just type up a response and hit send.  I need to make sure that my contention should go public.  And that is an entirely different issue.

You might be thinking, “Wow, this seems tedious.  I probably would never comment if I followed through on all these”.  My response?  Good.  If it’s not your fight don’t bring boxing gloves and start throwing left hooks. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: The Fountain That I’m Not

Proverbs can be a very helpful book to turn for those wanting to engage in online communication for the glory of God.  We have already noted from Proverbs 1 that Christian Bloggers Should Not Join an Ambush to Gain Traffic or “I’d Rather Be a Small Life-Giving Blog Than a Highly Visited Tomb”

Today we look at the second…

#2 Wise Blogging Flows From a Sure Fountain and I’m Not It

I do not think this is truly ironic but it is at least Alanis Morrissette Ironic.  There is a life behind this post that I want to make you aware of.  This article itself has been sitting in my “drafts” for about a week.  What I desire to say in this article is that faithful bloggers are dependent bloggers.  The only source from which we derive wisdom (that which alone is worthwhile and lasting) is the LORD.  We cannot conjure up wisdom in ourselves we must seek the LORD for wisdom. 

Here is the “ironic” part: I am having a really difficult time writing this article.  It has went through two or three different editions.  I know that I could have just hit “publish” last week and then moved on to #3 in this series.  Yet, to do so would have been hypocritical because I knew deep down that I was simply writing just to get #2 out there.  And the whole point of #2 in this series is to say, “don’t do that”.  So my utter dependence in the LORD is being highlighted in trying to write this article. 

One of the best tips for gaining an audience with your blog is to post often.  A large reason why Tim Challies has gained the audience he has is because of faithfully blogging every day.  Of course he is also a great writer and the Lord has blessed His online ministry.  Not everyone should write an article every day.  Yet, it is wise to have a steady flow of material coming from your site. 

The faithful blogger, then, desires to create quality content at least on a semi-daily basis.  The problem, though, is that he/she is not an overflowing fountain of wisdom.  The faithful blogger does not simply want to post something just because it is Tuesday and this is her day to post.  No, the faithful blogger wants her writing to be saturated with Christ-centered wisdom.  What then is the pressed blogger to do? 

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

This Proverb is telling us that we must diligently seek out wisdom.  We do not find it in ourselves but we are given wisdom by the LORD.  The LORD is very gracious and desires that His people be marked by wisdom.  Therefore, we must diligently seek His wisdom and not our own.  For me this means two things. 

First, I am a dependent blogger.  I cannot write quality posts just because it is Monday and I usually write something about ministry.  If truly useful stuff will flow from this blog it will not come because I am an amazing writer.  Truly edifying material will come because the LORD has graciously bestowed upon me wisdom which I diligently sought out (or in His grace He just slapped me in the face with it). 

Secondly, there is only one fountain and I am not it.  The only fountain from which wisdom flows and that fountain is the Lord.  Many may draw from this stream with broken pales or dirty buckets but if we are to have wisdom it must come from this spring.  Therefore, the wise blogger will keep his “ear attentive” and when he hears wisdom he will write it down.  This way he will not be drawing each morning from a blank slate but from hours drinking from the fountain of wisdom. 

You are a dependent blogger (and commenter).  If we truly desire to edify the body in what we write (whether through article or comments or other social media) then we will stay close to Jesus and come to grips with the fact that He is the fountain and we are not. 

Proverbs for Christian Blogging: Not Joining an Ambush

I have found that Proverbs is one of the most helpful places to turn for help in Christian blogging.  The Proverbs frequently help us in our communication with people; both fools and the wise.  Hopefully Christian bloggers write to edify the wise.  Sadly, Christian blogging is often hi-jacked by the fool.  Therefore, Proverbs is one of the best places to turn for help in online communication.  To that end this begins a lengthy series (going through every applicable chapter of Proverbs) to find help for Christian Blogging.

#1 Christian Bloggers Should Not Join an Ambush For Traffic Gain

    My son, if sinners entice you,
        do not consent.
    If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
        let us ambush the innocent without reason;
    like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
        and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
    we shall find all precious goods,
        we shall fill our houses with plunder;
    throw in your lot among us;
        we will all have one purse”—
    my son, do not walk in the way with them;
        hold back your foot from their paths,
    for their feet run to evil,
        and they make haste to shed blood.
    For in vain is a net spread
        in the sight of any bird,
    but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
        they set an ambush for their own lives.
    Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
        it takes away the life of its possessors.
(Proverbs 1:10-19 ESV)

It may seem like a stretch to call the worst of watch bloggers “those whose feet run to evil and make haste to shed blood”.  But calling everybody to “accountability” and trying to torch Christian believers seems to me to be very similar to what is being discussed in this Proverb. 

If we are not careful as Christian bloggers we can be tempted to “walk in the way with them”.  Our hearts can be tempted towards the “unjust gain” of increased blog traffic.  Controversy sells.  It sells in linking to controversial stories and sites.  It sells in engaging controversy and writing about it.  But at the end of the day the traffic gained from throwing our brothers and sisters under the bus will “take away life”. 

Of course there are debates that need to be had.  There are discussions and even controversial ones that must take place.  It is not wrong to get blog traffic as a result of a thoughtful, gracious, and helpful piece that deals with something controversial.  What is wrong is joining in an ambush for the sake of blog traffic. 

1:15 says, “my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths”.  Decide for yourselves if this is a stretch, but I think this Proverb is telling us to simply not play the ambush game (neither as a fellow ambusher or as one trying to lay a snare for the one doing the ambushing).  Just walk away and go a different path—even if its rough, rugged, and filled with the hard labor of cutting out your own path to finding an audience.

You can gain a quick following by being a controversy seeking and controversy centered blogger, but at the end of the day it reeks of death and not glory.  I’d rather have a small blog that is life-giving rather than a highly visited tomb. 

When Lady Wisdom is Mute (Part 1)

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks…

Lady Wisdom cries out, “Don’t walk next to the prostitutes house”.  I’ll be okay, I’m a believer—Jesus will protect me. 

Lady Wisdom cries out, “Don’t be unequally yoked to an unbeliever”.  I’ll be fine, I’ll share Jesus with him, we’ll be okay. 

Lady Wisdom cries out, “Don’t stay all night at her house”.  We’re strong.  We won’t mess up. 

Lady Wisdom cries out, “Don’t get involved with a girl that has that type of history.”  It will be different with me. 

Lady Wisdom cries out, “You’re going to drift, fade, and your affections will be dull unless you devote time to prayer, reading Scripture, and other disciplines”.  Not me.  I’ve got enough bible knowledge to get me through for awhile.  Besides I’m busy.  I’ll pick it back up later. 

Lady Wisdom cries out, “Don’t forsake meeting with other believers.”  I’m busy.  I have other pretty important things going on now.  I’ll be fine for awhile.  Besides church doesn’t save you—Jesus does. 

Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.  Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.  Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.   (Proverbs 1:24-31)

I didn’t listen to Lady Wisdom.  Now I find myself eating the rancid fruit of a prideful deafness to her pleas.  So I pray for wisdom. 

“Give me wisdom Lord everything is so confusing right now.  Why is this happening, Lord?  I’m so confused.  Give me clarity, help me to see truth.  I need wisdom for this situation.  What do I do?”

Silence.

 

Yet, Christ is deeper………