First of all—THANKS to everyone who e-mailed a word of encouragement regarding this past Sunday’s sermon. I will talk about this a little more on Sunday…but it wasn’t an easy sermon to preach. HOWEVER, I think the message came across.
BUT…and I can’t believe this…I received an e-mail yesterday that left me speechless.
Rarely—I MEAN RARELY—do I EVER do this…but I’ve got to…I want to say this…and I mean every word of it. :-)
A lady e-mailed me and told me that she reads my blog “with interest” BUT because I do not talk about what God is doing in my life and breakdown Scripture she questioned whether or not I even read or study the Bible. NO—I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP!
I was amazed all afternoon…and after reflecting on it I have several thoughts…
#1 - This blog was never meant to serve as a Bible study resource. Nowhere here do you read that I will take you on a Scriptural journey to places you have never been. This is merely a communication tool that I use to talk about vision—encourage people—and basically communicate what is going on in my life.
#2 - My intimate time with God is just that—MY intimate time. No…I do not share the details of exactly what God is doing in my life. Why? Well—lady—it’s none of your business. :-) God is often working things out in me—refining me—sharpening…and I OFTEN speak about these things at NewSpring…and I do blog about them from time to time…but it will not be a regular feature here.
My relationship with Christ is a PUBLIC issue—but what God is working out in me is between He and I…and I do not feel the need to share those details. I am intimate with my wife from time to time—and I don’t share those details here (aren’t we all glad!!!) Why? Because it’s between she and I…not the whole world!!!
#3 - Personally, I feel that if God were doing a significant work in your life—then you would not be consumed with what He is doing in mine! Just being honest…
#4 - If you don’t like my blog…well…don’t come back—it’s really that simple. :-)
#5 - Do you seriously question my walk with God because you gaze into this small window of my life and think this is the complete picture?
Now I know this may stir the pot a little—and I want it to be clear that I will not make this a regular habit…in fact, I probably won’t even read another e-mail from this lady. Am I walking with God? Well, I think I am…but the true test is not to ask me—but ask those closest to me. THAT is the true test as to whether or not someone is walking with God—when the people closest to you and know all about you STILL respect you…then you do not have to prove to the world through a blog or a series of e-mails that you are godly. :-)
(I am seriously smiling right now—trust me—I’m not mad! I know some of you may think this is harsh…but one of the things I can’t stand is pastors who take a beating from people and never call them out. Yes—we are called to turn the other cheek—but we are also called to expose stupidity!) :-)
OK—that’s about it for now! Once again…please do not think that the majority of e-mails I get are like this. AND thanks again for everyone’s encouragement AND also thanks to the constructive criticism that comes in from time to time. But to people who are mad at me because this blog isn’t what they want. As a popular boy band once sang…“Bye—Bye—Bye!” ”:-)