SOAP: Is blogging my temptation?

—

by

Amy
in

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Observation: Temptation will come into your life. But hold strong to God and he will enable you to resist.

Application: It is easy for me to look at my life and feel good about myself for not falling into many typical ideas of bad lifestyle choices or typically “bad” temptations.

But I believe this verse is telling me that I, too, face temptations that can lead to destruction. I am no different than anyone else, although my temptations may be. The temptations I face and will face can lead me down the wrong path if I allow them to control me.

As much as I hesitate to post this for everyone to see, I have been wondering about blogging lately. How much emphasis/time should I put/spend on reading blogs and posting on my own blog? I do feel God directed me to begin this blog, but I’m not sure I am following his instructions in the way I keep it. How much of my blogging is about helping and sharing? And how much is about the challenge to gain approving comments and higher visitation numbers?

Temptations are different for all. I am not saying blogging is bad and I’m not even saying that striving for more readers and approving comments is bad. And I’m definitely not saying all blogs need to be about God.  I just worry that I might be heading down the wrong path, that I could be posting a few posts for the wrong reasons. So what do I do?

Prayer: Lord, you are all-knowing. And you know the plans you have for me. Please, Lord, forgive me when I deviate from those plans. Please guide me toward them. Keep me from stumbling, and clear my path of those things which cause me to put focus where I should not.

Please show me a way out of the temptations I must abandon. And show me what those temptations may be. Is it blogging or a facet of blogging? Is my focus not what you intended for me? I need you to show me the answer and then guide me in living a life that points to you and not to me. Thank you, Lord, for your love and concern.

momflower

Comments

7 responses to “SOAP: Is blogging my temptation?”

  1. Kelli Avatar
    Kelli

    Great post I think that for me I need to be constantly checking my motives. I do know that writing (either blogging or journaling) helps me focus. Keep looking to God for your answers!

    Reply
  2. Terry Williamson Avatar
    Terry Williamson

    Good post, Amy. Very good question, too. I had this thought several months ago. Take a look at Matthew 13:52 – And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” At first glance, I think this could simply mean the old versus new covenant, but when I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that the application here is to share our lives with others. Our experiences can be used by others to cope. I believe God intends for us to share. Blogging is that venue, but as with anything, if your heart isn’t right, the blog is not that effective. From what I’ve seen of yours, I think you’re good. But breaks every now and then are good, too.

    Reply
  3. Jane Anne Avatar
    Jane Anne

    This is precisely what prompted me to take a blogging break. There were days where I wasn’t spending time cultivating my relationship with God. And, yet, I was making sure to post each day and make comments on other people’s posts. I was investing more in my blogging and facebooking than I was in my relationships with friends in real life. It was so self-serving. It was getting out of control because it was sucking up more and more of my time and becoming a huge focus in my life. I plan to return to more regular blogging but I am not sure what that is going to look like yet. I am working on my heart during my break. I enjoyed your words here and I enjoy your SOAP posts.

    Reply
  4. Lois Lane II Avatar
    Lois Lane II

    I know what you mean…It’s like I told my hubby last night, any good thing can become a bad thing if done in excess (we were talking about eating, lol) or done with wrong motivations.

    Reply
  5. barbara Avatar
    barbara

    This is crazy that you posted this particular subject. It took a broken down computer for me to realize my weakness here. My computer had been out of commission for a few weeks and it showed me how much time I really had and I was much more patient with my children. I did not feel so much stress and I was surprised how clean my house was and how much time I spent playing with the kids. Hence, my last post on my own blog was in Nov.
    I was so sad, I loved it, but I knew I needed to focus on them and my home, not that….YET:)
    So, my blogging is on hold until maybe they are both in school….
    That being said, I am not sure of your situation, I have 2 children under 4 at home….but I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!
    I read it almost daily and it helps me focus on things….posts always seems to be relevant to me! So, of course, you will know what to do, but I benefit from this!

    Reply
  6. Summer Avatar
    Summer

    Good morning….I can understand your hesitation and concern for this…..but, I just wanted to tell you (in my opinion) that reading blogs such as this really inspire me and give me hope in this crazy world.

    I believe that God uses us all so differently….and He wants us to use our creativity and talents to bring people to know His Word. Sometimes, these outlets are not the traditional ways we would normally think of….but, they might be just what He needs to Speak to someone in particular.

    If you ever feel as though blogging is taking you away from Him…or that you are expending too much energy into this instead of more important things..(ie: spiritual growth, family, yourself), then you should take a step back. Otherwise…I think what you are doing is noble and worth indeed.

    Have a WONDERFUL AND WACKY WEDNESDAY!

    Blessings,
    Summer

    Reply
  7. Sherry Avatar
    Sherry

    Blogging or even the computer can be an idol. I know I can be guilty of spending too much time on here. Ugh!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *