Lately, I have felt as if some of my efforts have been in vain. The vision is clear, it is the implementation and the time that remains unclear. I just do not think that I have been a good leader for Walking Christian. I have resisted the idea that I am the leader of this blog, but it seems like I am. Nonetheless, I have to remember that I must stand firm no matter what… Nothing that I do for the Lord is in vain. This is His promise to us, and we would do well to keep it close to our hearts and minds. Don’t despair, no matter how bleak things may seem. I’m struggling to find the balance between work and blogging, but perhaps it is doable, it’s just that the world is getting in the way. For those who are reading this, please pray for me – that I would be a better blogger for Christ, as well as a better follower.
5 Responses to Stand Firm
Daniel M. Klem August 6, 2012
To be completely honest, you do have your faults as a leader.
That being said, keep strong. All of you guys are prayed for regularly! (It is a habit of mine to pray for the authors of posts I read online, no matter the source)
Hang in there, brother, and God bless you.
Gil Sanders August 7, 2012
To be completely honest, you do have your faults as a leader.
Appreciate the honesty, I sadly agree… Any particular faults that you could point out? Or suggestions for the blog?
That being said, keep strong. All of you guys are prayed for regularly!
Wow, thank you! I seriously need prayer, I could use every ounce of it.
Daniel M. Klem August 12, 2012
Sorry for taking some time! I work in an elementary school, and we started up again this last week! On top of that I also work in ministry, am finishing up school (final semester!), and am married! I have been busy …
I think the biggest point of growth is how you approach foolishness in our world. I personally have had to work on this, as well. The thing that is hardest for me to endure is stupidity, and it just seems my patience does not last as long when people seem to willingly disregard reason and/or plain facts.
That being said, set the example by not calling people “idiots” and deriding their character and the like. As much as some people seem to beg for it (and as hard as it is to resist at times!), we must remember to stop at pointing out the error and foolishness.
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV)
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8, NIV)
This is the real issue: setting the example and being above condemnation. Take it from one with some experience in this, it is easier to talk with people who feel respected than with people who feel offended. At the very least, when people get offended (because many in our world are, quite frankly, emotional pansies ;p ), we can know they can not say honestly that we called them names.
Other than that, I think you would readily admit to needing to work on patience, as we all must to some extent. And always be mindful of pride!
I trust you understand where I am coming from and what I am saying! God bless you, brother, and each of you! Remind our depressed friend that his contributions to the blog will be missed, and he is prayed for every time someone at Walking Christian posts (as are each of you).
Gil Sanders August 13, 2012
No problem, I am also a busy person! Perhaps I should give up the other things (work) and focus entirely on work for the Kingdom of God through WC. Prayer for direction on that area would be greatly appreciated. Also, I have realized that I should tone down my responses. Partly I agree, but in another sense, I think there’s a time for “satire” or polemics as the Bible does. The prophets are just filled with polemical material, for example, and so are NT writers like Paul (cf Romans 1). And I get the sense that people think there is no urgency for matters of Christ or moral virtue, and that just irks me. Don’t want to equate my “anger” as completely righteous, but I do think there is such a notion as righteous wrath, and that’s something that I want to put forward from time to time.
Nevertheless, I do see a real need to “personalize” the blog because I have treated it as more of a public speech. By personalize, I just don’t mean my own personal problems, but to reach out to others just as I would on an individual level. It’s a difficult balance, but I hope to put the “public” and the “individual” approach together somehow. That way, I can reduce the harsher tones (at least initially) unless I am dealing with a particularly rebellious kind of person/s. I’ll definitely take your advice to heart, and if there is any more that you have, be sure to let me know!
Daniel M. Klem August 13, 2012
I think you certainly get the idea. What is funny on my blog, is I have called people foolish or a fool. My wife knows that is a pretty harsh word for me to use. I am in the daily habit of reading Proverbs (over 5 years, now), and the words “fool” and “foolish” have gradually come to be a huge insult in my vocabulary. She gets amazed when I call someone a fool, because I am clearly upset with that person and/or their behavior. My Facebook has seen our current President and leaders within Congress called fools or foolish, so I completely understand.
I am considering (fasting, praying, seeking godly counsel) seminary next fall. If that happens, my wife has given me permission to stop working (She is an elementery school teacher, who currently makes more than I ever have! Not great money, but more than we currently need.) to focus on schooling and ministry exclusively. Between helping the greeters ministry, children’s ministry, and youth group, as well as two blogs and discipling, I have plenty to keep me (and her) busy. It would be nice to focus exclusively on ministry, again.
Dear Lord, thank you for Your love and grace. Thank You for this ministry. Please direct my brother and his team on proceeding in this amazing online ministry. Give Gil the wisdom he needs as a leader and especially as a child of God living in a fallen world. We pray as adopted sons through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.