?…..that is the question!
I have been blogging since June 29th of 2006, slightly over four years. I began blogging as an outlet for a frustrated wannabe writer, to publish some of my Bible study conclusions, and finally I thought I might be able to help someone more fully trust Christ or consider Him for the first time.
There has been times in these months and years when I have experienced great joy. The feedback in blog comments and emails from people all across the country have been reasons to keep blogging. To think that I might be able to instruct or encourage someone, anyone, so that they experience God more fully is awesome.
On the other hand there is the negativity. A few people are so intolerant of any view that challenges them to think outside of their well defined presuppositions that they lash out with fury at anyone who thinks differently. And, some folks are just mean. Oh, they are mean in the name of Jesus, but they are mean nonetheless.
I have never dodged or ducked a good healthy debate if it is civil. I have published comments from people that were pretty ugly but I have deleted many comments that were hellishly so. And, of course these people with such nasty attitudes and harsh words claim to be Christians. I don’t cherish any more of those attacks when my offence is teaching the truth about what Christ has accomplished for sinful men.
Then there is the temptation to only write posts that will get high traffic counts. While I admit readily that I like readers, I don’t want to write subject matter just for increasing numbers. I have said previously that my first priority in blogging is selfish, it fulfills my desire to write, an exercise I enjoy immensely. I know the subjects that increase traffic but they are old and worn and serve no good purpose for the most part.
I don’t think Christian blogging needs another blog with daily devotionals and there are already blogs that are funny, give great glimpses into the lives of great families, and plenty that would seem to have the stated goal of stirring controversy. None of that appeals to me. I doubt the masses care what I had for breakfast or what the neighbor’s dog did yesterday.
So, I am faced with a few options. I can just stop blogging. Or, I can just blog much less than I once did (the option I have chosen most recently). Or I can completely change the way I blog and that choice presents another set of possibilities. If I choose the last option I can post cute little chatty type posts, top 10 lists, light commentary on news worthy events, etc, etc. Or, I can blog on themes, doing series on subjects that interest me. And of course another option is to keep blogging as I have and turn off comments.
The subject that fires me up is the good news about Jesus and that so many people, even people who claim him as Lord just don’t really know what the good news is. That subject is my passion but it is largely ignored by readers. Recently on GraceConversation I have posted lengthy (perhaps too lengthy, sorry guys) comments detailing my view of the gospel story and with few exceptions elicit only silence. My comments on other blogs and my posts are scriptural and I have few disagreements in print except for that minority who are to theology what pigs are to astronomy. So, why do it?
The bottom line is that I don’t enjoy blogging as I once did. I am trying to learn why that is and if I should only change or stop.
To blog or not to blog, that is the question.
Royce
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Every one of the comments I’ve read from you in other places has challenged and blessed me.
Thanks Nick, I appreciate that.
Royce
I’m with Nick, Royce. I always enjoy reading your insights. Here’s a vote for you to continue on, though I have no idea what to tell you about the content you should choose to write. Persevere, brother, even if it seems the darkness grows daily.
Thanks Brad. I appreciate you brother.
Royce
I think it is somewhat cyclical. Everyone has kind of stepped back some. I find that I still enjoy going back and reading what I have written…me…so even if no one else reads I try to keep writing.
I think you should continue to write your thoughts. You often inspire and challenge me…even when I do not leave a comment.
Good words Donna. Thanks for commenting.
Royce
Don’t stop writing Royce. I read your posts every day and they help encourage me a whole lot. Encouraging words are what people need but don’t always get enough of. You may give the encouragement someone really needs to know even though you may not be aware you have just helped someone, but you did. Show the world your big heart for the Lord, don’t be discouraged, and may His peace be with you.
Thanks you so much.
Royce
Royce you are always one of my first internet “reads” of the day. Thanks for your clear and well developed thoughts. Many I’ve banked into my savings account and am profiting on the interest. Thanks………
I think you should be blogging!
I cherish our friendship and admire your love for Jesus and the saints. And, I am especially thankful for your prison ministry. What a great thing to be able to see men changed for time and eternity.
Love you bro’,
Royce
You know my vote: blog
Thanks professor Frank.
Royce
Hope you keep it up and I hope you continue to blog about what interests you. Blog on your strengths/interests and you are sure to do some good.
Thanks Matt. I appreciate your steady hand in serving God’s people and Him.
Royce
I wish you would quit blogging. Then I could remove your blog from my blog reader and save some time. (bahahahaha) Royce, man, keep on blogging brother! Just do it whenever you feel like it. Put a note on FaceBook when you’ve got a new blog. If you don’t have a FaceBook and Twitter, then do that quickly! Twitter (linked up with FaceBook) would allow you to post some quick thoughts whenever you felt like it, rather than feel compelled to write a chapter.
Love you brother.
Love you John. I sort of blame you for getting me into this in the first place. Reading your blog I thought, if this guy can do it…. No, I loved your stuff and thought maybe I can do that too.
Love you, hope Maggie is back safe and sound.
Royce
I’ll add my voice to the chorus that is encouraging you to keep blogging. I very much appreciate your posts and your comments on other sites.
Grace be with you.
-bill
Thanks very much Bill. I read your stuff every day. And, best wishes on your new mission.
Royce
Royce yours is one of the few blogs I take time to read. I have little time today to blog or read blogs, much different from when I first joined the blogging world myself. Your spirit and heart are a gift to me and selfishly I would hate to loose that.
Thanks bro’, I appreciate your kindness.
Royce
Keep blogging, posting, commenting, and spreading THE Truth in every way God has blessed you talent. Do not grow weary, rather fix your eyes on the prize and stay strong in fulfilling your calling of sharing THE Truth. Stay strong brother; you are in my prayers!
Thanks Steve. You are an encourager and a wonderful friend. Thanks for you kind words. Give my love to your family.
Royce
I vote for your to deep blogging! Yours is one of the few I make sure to read. And, I appreciate your comments on the discussion within a discussion within a discussion at T. Deaver’s site. I love you.
The love is mutual Jackie. Thanks for your kindness.
Royce
Royce, I guess I’d reply to your comments on other blogs and your posts here if I could find something to argue about!
That’s the problem with me, though … I don’t tell others often enough how much I appreciate them, their thoughts, their effort, their passion to imitate Christ and model Him.
Thanks, Royce – keep it up as the Spirit moves you!
Thank you Keith. I am guilt of doing the same at your blog and others. I consume it, enjoy it, and say nothing.
Thanks for this encouraging comment. Perhaps I’ll do better in the future.
Royce
Royce.. I read your blog often but not every day..I do not comment much because I normaly agree with what you post and take the inspiration for what it is..It is the only way I keep up with what you are doing..You know that I dont talk on the phone much or e-mail..I do not use facebook, myspace or twitter..So PLEASE do not stop.. Slow down, take a break, whatever, but do NOT stop.. Your brother always..Love Tim…
Thanks Tim, the feeling is mutual. Thanks for your love and friendship over these many years.
Royce
(I was married to Tim’s sister Jeanine for 17 of the best years of my life. We lost her Dec 10, 1997…)</strong>
I’m glad you’re writing, Royce. Peace.
Royce,
Almost all of us who choose to blog face exactly what you are facing. Those of us who preach face this same set of circumstances at times. It is easy to criticize those who are willing to publish the truths of their heart. You are doing a good work for the Lord. Please don’t stop! You and the work you are doing will be in my prayers.