Into the Fire

If you’re not a bully, you tend to not like bullies. Belligerent, sarcastic, scoffing, antagonistic, critical, and prone to humiliate. Bullies have even earned special reputations these days to fuel new formulas for schoolyard conduct stretching clear into cyberspace protocol. Well, you say, these aren’t qualities we associate with Christians walking in the Spirit. No, they’re not.

But I’m telling you the aggressive huffing and puffing of a few Christians on their blogs reminds me a lot of bullying. Hey, they can say whatever they want—I wouldn’t even suggest otherwise. It’s just that they remind me far more of the world than they do of anyone who has experienced the transformation of Jesus Christ. Those of you who visit here regularly know I’m a woman of strong opinions, full of passion in expressing them. However, I try not to let those opinions slam another person like a good hard slap across the face. And I’ve failed at times, I’m sure.

It’s easy to step on toes unintentionally pontificating on an important matter. I offended a reader when I threatened to delete his Obama commercials on my blog. I feel badly that he decided he wasn’t welcome here when it was his political pitches for a candidate I could not support that weren’t welcome.

Some people criticize and denounce certain elements of CBA fiction with near hatred and put down its readers in blanket condemnation. Others exalt the ABA as if its authors are all far superior in intelligence and abilities. Others are incensed about “Christian” used as an adjective.

There are plenty of problems related to writing, publishing, and all life things. There is an abundance of disappointments, frustrations, weaknesses, and strife to fill the blogosphere, and I don’t blame anyone for personal rants. My regulars have read their share of mine.

However, the parameters do have limitations if you profess your faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit sets them. I don’t blame anyone for their anger, but belittling and insulting name calling doesn’t do much for the claim of “righteous anger”.

Anyway, something to think about . . .

Lord, you know my heart. You know I don’t desire to intentionally hurt anyone. Stand up to them if necessary, yes. Hurt them, no. Please lead me in your ways in all of my communications. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.