Some time ago, my brother asked “Why don’t you get explicit?” I knew what he meant. Why don’t I really go after television personalities like Pat Robertson? It’s true. I do not particularly care for Pat Robertson. He has certainly provided plenty of ammunition.
Just visit a political blog like Alan Colmes‘ site. Alan is not the only one; he’s just a little nicer about it. It would be easy to do; however, I would ask you this question. What would it solve by ganging up on the poor guy?
While I certainly have my disagreement with Pat Robertson and I’ve even written a blog post on the issue. “Pat Robertson?? Here We Go, Again” is one example. However, there is a difference between disagreeing with someone and verbally attacking the person.
I’ll debate an issue; especially if it may interest the readers. However, this is not to be confused with attacking someone. From my own experiences, I have never derived any benefits from sites using such tactics. How about I get real specific?
Several years ago, I was desperately seeking a few good Bible teachers. I was hungry to know more about my faith. I desired to go beyond what the Catholic church taught me. In the late 90s, I went online to see what I could discover. What did I discover?
I found a dizzying array of opinion sites that claim to be defending the faith. Who are they kidding? Though there are legitimate apologetic sites; however these guys were not it. I would often feel confused and fearful, after a visit to their web site. It got to the point, where I didn’t know what to think.
I asked my Father, “What should I do?” An idea came to mind. “Do a search on Charles Stanley.“ I was an avid viewer of Dr. Charles Stanley’s program. I thought, “What kind of negative things could there be about him?” I was in for a shock! Here’s a current search result for Dr. Stanley.
It seems no one is immune. These clowns profess to know Jesus and act like they don’t. Have they not read what Paul says of those who would devour one another?
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [Galatians 5:14-16]
These people were not engaging in an honest debate about the issue. They were more interested in exposing their opinions; rather than actually helping people. How am I helped when reading an attack style blog post?
I was never helped by such sites. This is why I don’t engage in such explicit writings. I want the readers to benefit from my writings. Here is what Paul says in Ephesian 4:29:
29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
The above Scripture contains some great pearls of wisdom for any blog writers. Am I opposed to differing opinions? Not! It’s okay to disagree; however, it’s not okay to maliciously attack someone.
I don’t hate Pat Robertson; I simply disagree with his politics. I am not afraid to admit when Pat Robertson is right.When I visited those attack sites, a question came to mind. Can they admit when Bill Johnson is right? Wold they acknowledge Frank Viola has a point?
What should we do? Here is what John says in 1 John 2:26-27:
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
Believers are given a precious gift, the Holy Spirit. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has helped in my reading of Scripture. The Spirit has shined a light on what a Bible teacher has said. He will expose when a teaching is of human origin, of God or demonic.
The Holy Spirit was a big help when listening to Joyce Meyers. The Spirit guided my understanding of biblical authority when reading Frank Viola’s book. All it takes is an ear that’s willing to listen.
As I have been saying, “I’d rather encourage and build up my readers. I’m not into tearing down people.” I’d prefer to speak the truth with sincere love. Am I not supposed to love my neighbors; as myself.