A Pastor and His Blog

I have a strange conflict every time I start to write a blog post. It is a tension, really. Most people do not have this problem, and I am glad for them. The 'problem' is that I am not only a blogger, but I am also a pastor. Further, a few folks from my church actually read this blog!

Therein lies the dilemma. If I have faithful church members who also read the blog, then they will probably know me better from blogworld than in person. That is, I cannot do a tremendous amount of personal interaction with everyone on Sundays and Wednesdays. Plus, I carry a burden on Sundays that I do not feel as keenly the other six days a week. On that day, I stand and preach from the Sacred Text. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16). The Church depends on Biblical doctrine for salvation, and I am the one who preaches to our Church.

It's comparable to practicing for a big game, or for a piano recital. You can practice all you wish, but come the day of the "real thing", you will inevitably feel the tension. If this is true when we do things that will be soon forgotten, how much more should one feel it with things eternal?

Needless to say, I act differently on Sunday for good reason. So, my friends who read this blog will think I have a split personality or something if they meet me at Church. Actually, I believe that I am closer to who I should be on Sunday than I am on Monday. Maybe I will write more on that later.

There is also another factor. I do not feel the freedom to explore all my thoughts on this forum. Indeed, I am convinced that I should not. I often think somewhat experimentally. I think on difficult doctrines, policies, Scriptures, and other things spiritual. I view them from every angle I can imagine, and I go over them in Scripture. This is a difficult process, and I sometimes end up in a different place than I think I will in the beginning. I do not feel comfortable charting this progression and disgression for all to see. Not because I fear someone finding out I'm wrong, but because I do not want to lead others into error. It is the same tension I feel on Sunday, and it is good. I must exercise caution.

I write knowing that I will be held to a stricter standard in the judgment (James 3:1). There is no aspect of my life that is not under the eye of my Master. Thankfully, He is exceedingly merciful. It is my prayer that as I struggle through this sojourn on planet earth, the Holy Spirit will guide me into wisdom. I ask that my thoughts and meanderings on this blog will only be edifying to you who read. I know that many of you do not know me, but I am concerned with the influence I could have on you because I am a pastor, however miniscule it may be.

I wish that every God-centered blogger would take this to heart. People actually read this stuff that we write, and blogs have fantastic potential to be helpful or hurtful. So, to all you bloggers be wise, and think before you speak....errr...write. When in doubt, refer to 1 Corinthians 10:31.