The GOADS and the Sheep
No, it isn't typo, it really does say "goad" and I really mean for it to. I have been reading and writing blogs for just over a year now. I have found some that are such great encouragements that I recommend them to everyone. I like that they see maturing the sheep as part of their e-ministry. I like that they promote reading the Bible, studying God's word, seeking the lost and being evangelistic. I am proud that they encourage us to live godly lives. I like that these bloggers seem to be concerned with the souls who might be reading. They seem to care that someone out there, some seeker, may have stumbled on to their site. These bloggers give everyday practical advice about how to be spirit-filled in a world full of the carnal. When I read the posts asking for prayers, thanking God for answers, rejoicing in the return of the prodigal, well . . .when I read those posts, I am thankful there are bloggers out there who use the gift of the internet to share the gift of the Gospel. They encourage me to think, to pray and to study. They remind me that there is a whole world of seekers out there and I need to do my part to win as many as possible for the Lord. I am proud to call these bloggers "blog-buddies" or "e-friends" and brother or sister.
However, there are also others out there---those who are "pot-stirrers", always getting in their little digs, always trying to stir up controversy, using the Word of God as a weapon to maim and hurt rather than build up. These not only spew their own kinds of sarcasm and verbal venom, they goad others into the discussions. Before long, what once was an enlightening, intelligent conversation has become nothing more than a political type mudbath. No one gets out unscathed and unsullied, neither the blog author nor those invited to comment. These "goads" seem unconcerned with the seekers, unconcerned with the sheep who are trying to learn and grow and unconcerned with the picture their comments and posts paint of Christians. (After all, billions of people a day surf the net, billions of people per day develop opinions based on what they read or see). The "goads" simply want to fuel the fire of controversy. Oh, sometimes, they call it "helpful criticism", or "witty banter" or even "thought provoking conversation" with "varied input". Their sole purpose is to 1) make their point, 2) destroy every other point of view, and 3) get as many different viewpoints to argue about it as possible. What purpose can this possibly serve? We all know we can never win with the "goads". Theirs is not a world of logic and civility but rather one of sarcasm and name-calling.
My friend Betty, once said that satan has had the internet long enough, it is time we take it for God. I believe that is true. I believe we can let our light shine even in cyberspace. I just wonder what our readers think? Do they understand that there are some true Christians out here who use their blogs for God? Or do they read and think why is Christianity any different than the world? Why would I want a "religion" full of "goads" when I work with that kind of person every day? Perhaps it is time we started looking at our blogs and our comments and really deciding if we want to be "goads" or sheep. There will come a time when we will be held accountable for our words, whether spoken or "blogged". How will we explain what "goads" we have been?
Peace
Neva
However, there are also others out there---those who are "pot-stirrers", always getting in their little digs, always trying to stir up controversy, using the Word of God as a weapon to maim and hurt rather than build up. These not only spew their own kinds of sarcasm and verbal venom, they goad others into the discussions. Before long, what once was an enlightening, intelligent conversation has become nothing more than a political type mudbath. No one gets out unscathed and unsullied, neither the blog author nor those invited to comment. These "goads" seem unconcerned with the seekers, unconcerned with the sheep who are trying to learn and grow and unconcerned with the picture their comments and posts paint of Christians. (After all, billions of people a day surf the net, billions of people per day develop opinions based on what they read or see). The "goads" simply want to fuel the fire of controversy. Oh, sometimes, they call it "helpful criticism", or "witty banter" or even "thought provoking conversation" with "varied input". Their sole purpose is to 1) make their point, 2) destroy every other point of view, and 3) get as many different viewpoints to argue about it as possible. What purpose can this possibly serve? We all know we can never win with the "goads". Theirs is not a world of logic and civility but rather one of sarcasm and name-calling.
My friend Betty, once said that satan has had the internet long enough, it is time we take it for God. I believe that is true. I believe we can let our light shine even in cyberspace. I just wonder what our readers think? Do they understand that there are some true Christians out here who use their blogs for God? Or do they read and think why is Christianity any different than the world? Why would I want a "religion" full of "goads" when I work with that kind of person every day? Perhaps it is time we started looking at our blogs and our comments and really deciding if we want to be "goads" or sheep. There will come a time when we will be held accountable for our words, whether spoken or "blogged". How will we explain what "goads" we have been?
Peace
Neva
posted by Neva | 11:13 AM
18 Comments:
"Baaaaa!" he said sheepishly. Well, I'm trying to be a sheep, although I can definitely be a goad at times.
On one Bible discussion list, the members have been discussing the lack of civility on the list. I'm not sure what causes it, but I appreciate your efforts to combat it.
Grace and peace,
Tim
"How will we explain what goads we've been?"
Ahhh--behind the mask of humor and under the veil of "discussion" we have become goads to the detriment of our readers.
Amen sister!
Interested Bystander
I think the anonymity provided by the internet makes folks forget that they are still accountable to God and He still knows who they are.
Good post
Pat
Being new to the blog world as well as a new little sister in Christ I read many of the blogs out there everyday and I have found many of them to be very encouraging and they have taught me a great deal about scripture and living life in a way that is pleasing to God. However I have also been reading some lately that have been filled with arguments and long drawn out debates that don't even make since to me. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and when I encounter those blogs my best bet is to click out and not return, but they just seem to draw you in. Thanks for bringing this up.......
Stacie,
That is exactly Neva's point, I think. New babes in Christ looking for spiritual encouragement and guidance instead find endless debates and name calling. She is so right--it is everywhere in the e-world and Christians should be examples here just like they are in real life.
Great job Neva
Carol
I agree totally! There are some blogs I have just stopped reading. You have to wade through too much argument to get to the substance. Thank you for this post!
Carlos
I deliberately removed several blogs from my favorites list because of just what you are talking about. If I want name calling and sly backhanded comments, I can get those at my in-laws. :)
Mary
The sad thing is those blogs I don't look at anymore-well I learned alot from some of their other posts. It just got to be too much negative. All that arguing diminished its learning value.
Mary
I LOVE IT!!!
I amen you, sister!
There have been several times I have sworn off blogging altogether because I found myself caught up in blogger bashing. Not what I think God calls me to do.
Thanks for this.
Jeneane
Most bloggers are comment hounds so if we dont read the blogs that are always "debating" something or another, maybe their stats would drop and they would change.
Just my thoughts on the ugly side of th eblogworld.
Lyndsay
PS
That is what I like best about your blog, you are always inspirational and encouraging. I am a better person for having read your posts.
Lyndsay
Neva,
I love your blog because it challenges my faith and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I use my blog to make others think about different topics ranging from a wide variaty of topics. I hope to get them to think about their faith, change their faith, stop judge other faith, and opinion, some blogs I post are controversial and some blogs are encouraging, some may be in your face because we don't talk about the issue in Church but it needs to be addressed, some topics may be in the media, some topics may have to do with a text that needs to be addressed that has been taken out of context that we have made as dotrine, some of my blogs are going to talk about doctrine, unity, church, faith, encouragement, I want to make people think when they come across my blog. I respect the opinions of all those who comment. I understand that we aren't going to agree on everything. I don't think it is right call name. I ask that we act Christ-like so those who aren't Christians will see the way Christians debate the issues that are controversal. I try to encourage as many Christians as I can to keep blogging to get their messages across. I believe that in this modern age we will make a difference. I believe that through your blog neva. Through Tim's blog and countless others we are making a difference that preachers don't even make on Sunday mornings. We need to understand the power we have and continue to use it. We do need to use it wisely, respectfully, and responsibly.
I hope you are all understand what I am saying to each and everyone of you. Keep do what you are doing. You are making a difference. You are making a difference for the Kingdom of God.
Neva you have made a difference in my life over this past year and I want to thank you. You have done it more than any preacher ever did or coould. Your blog has been such a blessing to my life but not my just my life but so many others. Blogs are powerful. Words are powerful (James 3).
So let us not think negatively.
Let us think postively.
Let us see ourselves making a difference.
Use your blogs for Christ.
Use them responsibly.
Use them wisely.
Use them knowing that you are making a difference in the kingdom of God.
Most people that surf the net will may come across your blog and even though they may not comment will read your words. And your word that they read may change their life forever.
I love you sister.
May God poor his blessings on your life this week.
In Him,
Kinney Mabry
Aka
Preacherman
Life is too short to put up with negative people.
Kel
Exactly Kel.
Thank you for unmasking the "goads" among us. You never fail to amaze me, Neva!
There are some sites I just cannot read due to the blatant critical spirit. There is, however, one I read daily that sometimes will degrade into tit-for-tat discussion/argument, but the subjects are ones we really need to have open debate about - however, it might be well to have this type of site be in a more private site, a private board, rather than being so open to all.
Young preachers are faced with many challenges that we in the pews may not ever know about, and these young souls really need the mentoring of other, more mature teachers, and there are discussion boards that serve that purpose. Again, I do believe these should be 'members only' boards, not so easily available to all.
Again, thanks for amazing me again, Neva!
I don't ever ever want to be a goad but I find myself drawn into their nastiness. I can't seem to tear myself away from their blogs wheere they argue and call each other names, it is kind of like driving by a car wreck adn rubbernecking somuch that you cause an accident yourself. Shame!
I believe God is truly going to ask us about what we blog as well as what we speak. We all should be mnuch more careful with our words--words matter.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home