Why I decided to start a blog...

For some time I have not been that fond of blogs, even some of the Christian ones written by solid guys.  The reason has been mainly because blogs can be both consuming and not edifying at times in my opinion.  They can consume precious amounts of time that could be spent with people (like my wife and children).  Or that time could have been spent cultivating communion with God in prayer and His Word, which I already struggle enough with trying to find sufficient time for.  I have also seen blogs, and especially comments on blogs that tend to utterly lack kindness (which is a fruit of the Spirit to cultivate) and cause more controversy than anything.  Controversy is understandable, provided that it is over a central doctrine of the faith that cannot be compromised.

So over the past several years, especially in my busy seminary days, I have avoided having a blog and read them only on occasion and a select few.  Now as a pastor I have decided to begin a blog for several reasons and with a distinct purpose.

1.    To keep the discipline of writing.  In my seminary and college days I was forced to write and I did write a ton.  Now, outside of sermon and Bible teaching prep, I write relatively little.  So this will help me keep the discipline of thinking and writing.  The blog for the most part will be devotional and made up of Scripture, Theology and Christian living thoughts. 

2.    To have a record of what is on my heart both for myself and also for my people.  Although I pastor a smaller congregation, I think it is helpful for the congregation to get a glimpse of what is going on in the pastor’s devotional life and what he is thinking about.  I doubt that vast numbers will read much of what I post, but at least people can access some of my thoughts on various issues. 

3.    For reviews.  I absolutely love reading and have ever since becoming a Christian.  As an early Christian in my teenage years, I had little guidance on what was good to read as a new believer.  My goal is to provide a brief book review and recommendation on all of the books I read.  Hopefully this will be helpful to others.  This also keeps me accountable to keep reading and growing as a Christian.

4.    With all that said, I make a commitment to myself not to allow blogging (both writing and reading other blogs) to consume me.  If it does then I will no longer post.  I also commit as David prayed “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps 19:14).  May everything I post be well thought of and acceptable in the sight of my Lord.

TRP