No Comment
Some have asked now, “Love your blog, but why don’t you have a comment section or even a simple ‘like’ option?”
There are many reasons, but I don’t want to bore you. It comes down to these four points…
One: Real community does not exist on the internet. Let’s type that out again: Real community does not exist on the internet. Let us not deceive ourselves friends, the internet and various social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, even this blog are only small tools to help us build community. I observe a lot of influencers on various social media platforms hard-core promoting the idea of building their “tribe” or their “community” and what it boils down to is a lot of self promotion. This is the opposite of what Christian Community is. Christian community is built on the Gospel (his mercy & grace toward us) and the humility of Jesus Christ.
Our call: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). We need to be together in person, in love, and in humility. Together we need to practice being quick to listen and humble in what we share face to face.
Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Even in the smallest of gatherings the presence of the Lord is with us! We are flesh and blood and designed to be close to God and close with each other.
Two: My hope for this blog is that like any good book or music you listen to you share it with someone else. Start a conversation in person. Ask someone else, do you agree with what’s being shared? Do you disagree with this blog post? Let’s exchange “comments” for conversation. Let’s revive the art of conversation, debate, affirmation, encouragement, even exercising the gift of the prophetic face to face. Does that scare you? Don’t be afraid! God does not want us to live in fear. Read the Bible and the Lord will lead you into all knowledge and wisdom (Ephesians 1:17). SO much of interacting with people happens on the internet these days and I’m tired of it. Aren’t you? Start a conversation with someone, even today.
Three: I want to protect my time. How I spend my time is very important to me. If I gave readers the option to comment or give feedback on this platform I would feel a need and desire to respond to them all. I don’t want to create another social media platform to interact with people on. That’s not what I want or need and if I can make an assumption, I don’t think it’s what you need either. We need more time to converse with people face to face about the topics that matter to us most.
Four: Lastly, I don’t want any haters here. I have observed over the years that even the most kind-hearted people on various social media platforms get haters and petty feedback. It breaks my heart to see this normalized even in Christian culture. I know for certain these harsh comments or expressions would not be shared face to face. The internet is the breeding ground of cancel culture, trolls, and negative-nancies, all of which are not welcome here. I don’t want to open myself up to that kind of feedback. I’m confident in my community, my friends, and my family, that if I ever wrote anything truly out of alignment with the Gospel that my people would lovingly correct me; I’d reflect, repent as needed, then humbly move forward by God’s grace.
It’s a new year, friends. I love the beginning of a new year. Don’t you? Forget the resolutions and the new years goals for a moment: Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He loves you, just as you are. Isn’t that amazing? We can truly rest in his love. Thank you Jesus.
Let this be a fresh start for us all to evaluate how we want to be active in our relationship with Jesus. There is no relationship more important than this one. Let this also be a moment to ask God…
Is there someone you want me to pursue in relationship this coming year, Lord?
Who are the people you want me to pray for?
Open up the door of friendship with my neighbors, build your Kingdom here where I live.
Show me Lord how I can serve the church and our community.
If I have sinned against a brother or a sister make it known to me. Bring reconciliation, healing and peace to us.
The Lord has a purpose for your life and by his grace we move forward.
Many blessings to you all this new year