My Exit Strategy ??
Lately, I've been contemplating ceasing posting in the forums on this board ... well, the R&P forum and its related sub-forums anyway. I've been watching how posts are no longer to provide information or gain understanding, but simply to beat opponets about the head with whomever's version of truth happens to be in dispute at the moment. So I've been praying about whether or not to continue to post my beliefs and opinions on the boards I post most on.
Last night I was reading 1 Timothy 1. During this bible reading these are the verses that lept out at me and that I have been mulling since then:
1 Timothy 1:3-7 (NIV) - 3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
However, these verses are not definitive on which direction I should go. It depends on what portion of the scripture I focus on or apply to my situation that determines the outcome.
Do I focus on the admonition to stay where I am to thwart those who are professing falsehoods? Am I to be considered as a Timothy, to defend the faith against false teachers and false doctrines?
-- or --
Do I read into it what my heart is telling me? The verse that speaks about endless geneaologies and meaningless talk ... is this me? Is this what I do? Have I in my efforts to defend the faith done more harm than good by droning on and on about what "I know" is right? Have I focused on the Law more than the Love?
See, I'm beginning to realize that nothing I do on a forum such as this is going to make me truly happy. I enjoy learning with my friends I've made on here and there are a scant few threads I would still be willing to participate in, but -- in all honesty -- the back-and-forth debates about topics that have already been covered and hashed and rehashed nth times is leaving me with a sense of unfulfillment. Worse, it's leaving me with a sense that I'm doing more harm than good.
I get thrown in my face how "un-Christian" my post(s) reads or I'll read "That's not very 'Christian'" or "If this is what a Christian is, I'm glad I'm not" or "Where's the Christian love." When you try to explain we are to show love, but not be door mats or that there is allowance for "righteous" anger, then we're smeared again as if we're picking and choosing what applies and when. It is very distressing.
My exit stratgey has been percolating for a time now. I'm wanting to share the Word, share my belief, fellowship and, if necessary, defend my faith by providing answers to genuine inquiries. However, I am beginning to wonder if by staying on the forums I'm providing a service or a hinderance to others. I see the best way to share and defend is in person and not over the Internet. Tone cannot be heard via text alone .. even with emoticons. Misunderstandings get completely out of hand before a party has a chance to respond.
So the question is should I stay or should I go? By leaving would I not be standing firm? Would I not be lilke Timothy and turning my back on the false doctrines and false teachers who twist and mangle God's word? Would I in a sense be admitting defeat? By staying, would I be making an impact for Christ? By staying can I find a way to show Christ's love and at the same time deflect the attacks against my faith? Do I need to stay to grow more mature?
Still pondering ...
Last night I was reading 1 Timothy 1. During this bible reading these are the verses that lept out at me and that I have been mulling since then:
1 Timothy 1:3-7 (NIV) - 3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
However, these verses are not definitive on which direction I should go. It depends on what portion of the scripture I focus on or apply to my situation that determines the outcome.
Do I focus on the admonition to stay where I am to thwart those who are professing falsehoods? Am I to be considered as a Timothy, to defend the faith against false teachers and false doctrines?
-- or --
Do I read into it what my heart is telling me? The verse that speaks about endless geneaologies and meaningless talk ... is this me? Is this what I do? Have I in my efforts to defend the faith done more harm than good by droning on and on about what "I know" is right? Have I focused on the Law more than the Love?
See, I'm beginning to realize that nothing I do on a forum such as this is going to make me truly happy. I enjoy learning with my friends I've made on here and there are a scant few threads I would still be willing to participate in, but -- in all honesty -- the back-and-forth debates about topics that have already been covered and hashed and rehashed nth times is leaving me with a sense of unfulfillment. Worse, it's leaving me with a sense that I'm doing more harm than good.
I get thrown in my face how "un-Christian" my post(s) reads or I'll read "That's not very 'Christian'" or "If this is what a Christian is, I'm glad I'm not" or "Where's the Christian love." When you try to explain we are to show love, but not be door mats or that there is allowance for "righteous" anger, then we're smeared again as if we're picking and choosing what applies and when. It is very distressing.
My exit stratgey has been percolating for a time now. I'm wanting to share the Word, share my belief, fellowship and, if necessary, defend my faith by providing answers to genuine inquiries. However, I am beginning to wonder if by staying on the forums I'm providing a service or a hinderance to others. I see the best way to share and defend is in person and not over the Internet. Tone cannot be heard via text alone .. even with emoticons. Misunderstandings get completely out of hand before a party has a chance to respond.
So the question is should I stay or should I go? By leaving would I not be standing firm? Would I not be lilke Timothy and turning my back on the false doctrines and false teachers who twist and mangle God's word? Would I in a sense be admitting defeat? By staying, would I be making an impact for Christ? By staying can I find a way to show Christ's love and at the same time deflect the attacks against my faith? Do I need to stay to grow more mature?
Still pondering ...
Total Comments 7
Comments
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Oh I totally understand what you mean. I often think the same thing, it's hard when people say mean things. But then I remember the same thing happened to Jesus. He spoke the truth and look what they did to Him. I have learned to let some things go and not debate as much. Another thing I have learned, I would rather stand with God alone than all the people on CD. I know some posters are trying to say pleasing things to everyone, and we have to take a stand. There are some threads I'm not going to post in because the poster is not really looking for answers, just debates. I have often thought about stopping, but for now I feel the Lord wants me here, just not as much.
Mams, you have such Godly wisdom, you speak the truth, that's why you get attacked, non Christians do not like to hear it, it makes them uncomfortable, there is power in the name of Jesus. Just remember it's not really you they are criticizing, it's Jesus. I hope you will stay, but I want you to do what God wants you to do, keep praying and let Him guide you.
Blessings to you my dear friend!!!Posted 03-16-2009 at 09:51 AM by I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA
Updated 03-16-2009 at 09:54 AM by I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA (left out word) -
My thoughts
First, your post sounds a LOT like what I posted here https://www.city-data.com/forum/497882-post193.html just a few days right after I joined. So I wonder if I was asked to leave these forums almost from the time I joined.
Second, none of us can answer your question for you. You really need to seek the Lord.
I am and have dealt with this EXACT same issue and it's tough to know.
Right now, I am leaning towards laying down my moderator job, focusing on edifying threads that will grow us up and help our witness, and leaving the vomit to the dogs to return to.
I know that sounds harsh, but I think you know what I mean. And no offense to anyone who feels led or compelled to keep waging this war with ourselves.(Like that makes sense anyway!)
Anyway, bro, you would be sorely missed if you left and your ID/Creationism points are AMAZING and are filled with GREAT info for those at least willing to consider what you are trying to say.
You always have been a great inspiration for me and I only wish I could post like you do. That said, you HAVE to do what you think HE wants you to do.
Praise God our friendship isn't limited or tied to City-Data. I'll know you for eternity.
God bless you, brother.
Always here for you,
AlphaPosted 03-16-2009 at 09:53 AM by Alpha8207
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Sometimes, it is best to take a vacation from a situation in order to gain prospective of what is being accomplished, what the goal is, and how beneficial we feel it is.
I know what you are saying my friend, and can feel the turmoil you are going thru.
Only God can guide you in what is in your heart. Sometimes, we get so close to something we can't see the fruit or lack of it until we pull back a bit.
Also, satan will use any means he can to destroy your fruit, whether it be with the constant bickering or within yourself with doubt.
my mind is screaming at me a lot to 'sit still and be silent' to await the Lord. Be patient. Have faith......and I find when I listen, and obey, a clarity I've never seen is revealed to me.
I pray for you to find your peace and answers...you, my friend, strive with each stroke of the keyboard to show God's love....and we never know who might be getting the correct message yet stay silent on here....Godspeed my friend I have faith He will answer you soon...aiangelPosted 03-16-2009 at 10:13 AM by aiangel_writer
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I know what your talking about.. I've had the same thoughts.
God led me here, and I'm sure He'll lead me out sometime. Who knows when.. it may be soon. We need to be open to the Spirit if He tells us to move on, for we are so human that we are susceptible to becoming the very thing we fight against on this board!Posted 03-16-2009 at 10:58 AM by cg81
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I understand exactly how you are feeling, I am desperately trying to leave, but old friendships are hard for me to give up, including the ones already answering this blog..I don't like the senseless arguing that goes on and the insults hurt even the most faithful among us..I wish I had the teaching ability of Mams, and Cg, the way of standing up for what is true as Alpha, the compassion of Aiangel, and the no nonsense approach of ILNC..
Like Cg, I believe I was called here to learn and to plant a seed now and then, and I sometimes think I am also being called now to leave..
Love you Mark and I am sure you are in prayer over this and will not make your decision alone...Posted 03-16-2009 at 01:36 PM by Miss Blue
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People under estimate the power of their words; the power of their presence. When they allow others to compromise what they know to be most dear, most true, then the foundations begin to rumble and shake. I don't believe that necessarily needs to happen, but one needs to keep in mind who they are, as opposed to what others say they should or need to be. If we personalize too much, if we are too vulnerable, we become too compromised, and lose our sense of balance and perspective. And peace.
Ultimatley you know who you are, what you are about, and most of all, what your faith is about. It makes the likes of June wonder why faith should be so fragile as to actually allow something like a message board impede upon it and individuals. --And yet it happens. Everyone who has posted in response to your blog has validated the fact that they feel the same. -In many respects, I too can share in the frustration, except from a vastly different perspective; that of the nonbeliever. The forever outside...For some reason the timing of your blog and other things strike me as somewhat noteworthy, but perhaps only due to the fact that I ended up returning to where I started out from.
When we lose connection, hope wanes. If your experience here is analogous to that of screaming into an empty barrel only to hear your own echo, then you need to seek peace. If your connections here help sustain you, then perhaps the answer lies elsewhere. As an atheist, I am in no way even remotely qualified to try and say anthing as regards "forums" and "faith." I could, however, speak to the impact that people and their words do have. And by their presence. But like I said, I too, returned to where I started out from...
All that June would ask if you leave is one small, tiny, little thing: Please don't leave without saying "goodbye." It crushes her soul when people don't say goodbye...
I care about you, Mark. You are very, very, dear.
Take gentle care.Posted 03-16-2009 at 07:30 PM by june 7th
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Thank you all for your comments, suggestions, prayers and thoughts. Each of you have given me more to consider / ponder as regards my status. You have helped me step back and further examine my intents, motives and purpose. Blessings to you all
Posted 03-16-2009 at 10:02 PM by mams1559
