Faith Sandahl: Five Ways to Blog With Integrity
Filed under Get Resourced Web and Blogging Tools on Apr 13 13 by Featured WritersI love to blog. What started out as a fun little experiment quickly developed into an exciting hobby, and it’s now one of my biggest passions. I didn’t really think through all the moral implications when I first started a blog, but it didn’t take too long for those thoughts to enter my mind. What is the point of all this? Is blogging really a worthy use of the time God has given me? Is blogging even biblical?
I finally came to the conclusion that my blog should really be an extension of my offline Christian life. I am a blogger, but I am first and foremost, a Christian. I constantly seek to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), so I should certainly be blogging for the glory of God. Although there are no mention of blogs in the Bible, we can draw on so many biblical principles while navigating the online world!
1. Keep it modest. I’m a style blogger, so I take this principle very literally and always dress modestly in my blog posts. However, modesty extends beyond what we wear—to our speech, what we write, and how we treat others. What is your motivation behind blogging? Is it to glorify God, or yourself? Do you seek to build up or tear down others (friends, family, other bloggers) through what you write?
2. Be full of joy. Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but overall, your blog should have a tone of cheerfulness. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Let that joy that comes from knowing the goodness of God flow through your blog!
3. Make it count. Many people treat their blog like an online diary. While it’s perfectly fine to share your day to day happenings, remember that your blog is public and people will read it! Your blog is not the place to be airing your dirty laundry or voicing your complaints. Be intentional and make each blog post count.
4. Share the gospel. Never, ever shy away from the opportunity to share the Good News through your blog! Blog about what God is doing in your life, share a Bible verse, or tell other bloggers you are praying for them. Take the opportunity to share your testimony on your “About Me” page. As in real life, be prepared to give an answer when someone asks about your faith.
5. Stay accountable. There is a trend among bloggers to hide their blogs from the people they know in real life. I did this for a while too, but soon realized that I needed those who knew me best to keep me accountable for what I posted. What I finally overcame my embarrassment, I shared my blog with my mom, sister, and women in my church. They all read my blog now and help keep me and my blog accountable!
These are just a few ways you can blog with Christian integrity. What are some other biblical principles we can apply to blogging?
About Faith
This spring, my must-have fashion item is flats in all shapes, sizes, and colors! My favorite pair right now are my red ballet flats.
The best book I’ve read lately is Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung. Excellent read if you’re struggling to know the will of God in your life!
I’d most like to meet I would love to sit down and have coffee with Candice Watters (formerly of Boundless.org). Her books and articles so encouraged me in my single years.
The gutsiest thing I’ve ever done is get married and follow my new Army husband to a new state. I am a major family-oriented homebody, so it was quite a leap of faith to move so far from my family for an undetermined amount of time. But God is faithful and it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done!
I feel most in love with God when I’m at church, worshipping with the body of Christ. Fellowshipping with other believers is such a blessing!
The number one item on my bucket list is to visit all 50 states. I’m only 11/50 right now, so I’ve got a long way to go!
Follow her blog
Follow Faith’s blog, Sweetened Style, for frugal fashion tips, outfit ideas, and more.
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http://www.facebook.com/stacia.momany Stacia Momany
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Shannon K. Wheeler