True, blogs are a place where people can share thoughts, ideas and opinions and carry on conversations about an endless number of topics. One drawback is that communicating via the blogosphere, the human element or the face to face element is not present and that can hinder our communication and understanding of each other. In face to face communication, one might show more restraint or patience with the other person whereas while communicating electronically, we or should I say I have a tendency to just spout off showing no retraint at all.
I've learned some valuable lessons through my blog conversations with others. I've debated several people on blogs who held a contrary worldview than mine, I've debated various issues/topics with those who supposedly were adherants to my worldview. In most cases, the conversation went nowhere. Typically one side raises some issues they are questioning about the other person. Next, the other person usually feels personally "attacked" and throws out a bunch of rhetorical non-sequitors and ad hominum attacks against the other person, and then, well, it goes south fast from there. The real issues never get resolved, people say stuff they probably shouldn't and a bunch of wounds are inflicted leaving a bloody mess behind.
Here's what I've learned during my blogging career: 1) Pray before you speak. This is so easy it's the hardest thing to do. It's much easier and quicker to shoot from the hip in your own strength and wisdom than it is to actually pray and ask God if you should even spend your time engaging this person. 2) The other side will almost never be persuaded to agree with you. We all have a right to our opinions and those opinions are often strongly held. People aren't often willing to entertain opposing viewpoints. So that leads me to number 3) Keep your comments and arguments short, concise and focused. When you sense the other side isn't "getting it", move on. The chances things will get out of hand ratchet up considerably at that point. And finally, number 4) Use Scripture and plenty of it. If your argument has God watching your back, who can argue against that? The Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than a two edged sword piercing even to the division of sould and spirit, and of joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Maybe these ideas will be helpful to you as you persuade the world to believe as you do. In conclusion, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one". Colossians 4:6
Godspeed,
Mike
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4 comments:
Well put Mike.
Coffee still sounds half decent.
Los
I've seen a lot of people leave multiple nasty comments at Christian blogs and just continue to attack each other for ages. Rarely does it end up going anywhere.
I have never met you Mike, but I gained a lot of respect for you today. Thanks for the wise words and gentle reminder. Lates.
did you pray about the booze and cocaine comment, cant say i agree with your comment, you definetly kept it short and concise, and lastly i think you are going to have a little difficulty finding scripture to back your comment.
not for jokes
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