Peddling God’s Word

 “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 2:17

    I’ve been wondering who the peddlers of God’s Word are  today.  The first thought that comes to mind would be those who promote a Prosperity Gospel and believe that God wants us to be rich in this world.  Their books are published unabashedly for that purpose so I think that answer would be a no-brainer.

   But what about those with sound doctrine?    Books, and even good ones at that, have been flying off the printing press since its invention and nowadays virtually anyone can self-publish.   And catapulting this to new heights  is the Internet where the sky’s the limit and any Tom, Dick or Mary can write anything without restraint.

   When we think of “peddlers” we think of people who want payment for something.   Usually it’s in the form of hard cold cash but not always.   Recognition  and accolades are pretty high  on the list too aren’t they?   Who would want to reject the applause that comes with the paycheck if they were really honest with themselves?    And many would actually be perfectly content  just to settle for the personal glory of it. 

   This causes me to also consider the unpaid and unrecognized little people like myself who write things and post them  in the “public square”.     I’ve been away from blogging for little while now  and  it’s given me a chance to take a step back and ask myself some hard questions like why did I really write this blog?   

   The good answers are that it disciplined me to  study, think,  and articulate  thoughts which truly do sharpen my focus and walk with Christ.  Hopefully, the byproduct of that was that someone else might be edified by it which is a good thing.    Another benefit, that is no small thing to me is that blogging  has allowed me to interact with other writers and to be challenged and encouraged by them as well.

   But the bad answers I confess are rather odious because my pride was constantly getting in the way.   Will anyone read what I write?    Am I too old to communicate in a way that is beneficial to women of all ages?  -- Or do I just need to take a good look in the mirror and quit before I make a complete idiot of myself?   How many hits did I get today?    How many people will link to my blog or quote from it?    Will someone who is popular read it and like it? … And on and on.    This kind  of junior high thinking is really quite nauseating.

    But at the same time, I  realize that if every Christian, whether they be a pastor or a housewife,  were to quit proclaiming God’s Word because their pride gets in the way no one would ever speak or write again.   So  I’ve concluded that it’s best to keep putting the flesh to death and keep in mind that we’re told to  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” Colossians 3:16.

    So having settled the ego issue I have to ask if  it’s even  a good thing at all  for me  to invest so much  time and effort  clickety-clacking out my thoughts on the keyboard and posting them on the Internet.   Really now,  aren’t there already a myriad of great blogs out there to  encourage a weary pilgrim surfing the Internet looking for a little comfort and hope?    I have a whole list of them  right here on the sidebar.    Do I really need to add my two cents worth?   Or am I in danger of just becoming another peddler of God's Word.

 

 

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