I had the strangest dream the other night. For some reason, I was holding a high school class reunion at my house. The organizers of this reunion had brought everything along and didn’t need anything from me except for my back yard. I was happy for them to use it.
But, as the afternoon wore on, I realized that not one of them liked me at all. They were frustrated because I wasn’t allowing alcohol at the picnic and they were even more disgusted when I put on Christian music. So much so, that they all got in their cars and left.
But in the midst of that afternoon, one classmate had come up to me who was a believer and shared with me that her husband had been reading my blog and it was making him think.
The End.
I don’t normally remember my dreams when I wake up. But this one stuck with me, for some reason. I think it’s because I hated the feeling of being unliked that I had in that dream. I tried to talk with people and they just ignored me. They wouldn’t even let me be in the class photo!
Now, on behalf of my classmates, they have never treated me so unkindly nor would they. I have no idea from what hidden depths of my mind this dream came from. But the highlight of that dream {nightmare} was that I had made a difference. Being disliked was a small price to pay if this blog was making one person think about eternity.
While, in the real world, people are generally not so cruel as to ban me from a photo, I do know that I have been blocked and hidden and even unfriended on Facebook because I am constantly posting things that few people want to read. I have had people unsubscribe from this blog because they don’t like what what I wrote. Seriously. I do know this. I am not naive.
I know that people think I am over-the-top, or strange, or perhaps even a little titched. And sometimes– every now and again– I am really tempted to just stop posting about God and His Word. I grow weary of writing the stuff that most people don’t want to hear. I’d rather write the sentimental stuff that is so appealing to the masses. Or how about a fun home blog where I get to post recipes and home decorating ideas? Can’t I just focus on that, Lord, and try to weave Your Truth in there occasionally?
And He has consistently made it clear that His answer to that question is NO.
So why do I do it? Why do I post so much about God?
I thought it might be time to fill you in. Just so you know. Because, honestly, I don’t like being unpopular and annoying. I don’t want to be the person that makes your eyes roll when you see my posts on Facebook. Actually, I hate it. I want people to like me. I want to be popular and sought after as a speaker and writer. But then I remember…
If I really believe God’s Word in its inerrant entirety then I have to recognize a couple of things–
1. When we become genuine believers, then God’s glory becomes more important than my glory. Knowing God will become a greater treasure to us than the praise of men or worldly riches. Notice I use the word “become” because I think this is a battle that most of us fight against almost every day. It is certainly not an overnight process where suddenly we don’t care about riches and our reputation. But we know it this is a battle we can’t afford to lose when we read the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24-25–
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
2. The way is narrow, which means the majority of people in this world are going to go to hell when they die. This is what the Bible teaches. If someone tells you that it isn’t, then they have not studied the Bible very much.
I don’t like this any more than you do. Seriously. It is not one of my favorite things about Christianity. In fact, it is cause for great mourning and occasionally a lot of questions, if I think too hard. But there it is, in black and white, in Matthew 7:13-14–
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
If this is true, then most people are not going to have any desire at all to hear the gospel. Paul puts it like this–
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
So when I keep this in mind it helps me to understand that, while some people are going to love thinking and reading about God’s plan for man to be reconciled to Him and what our life looks like after we are, so many others are going to be annoyed and desire to ignore it completely. It makes sense, in light of scripture.
3. The time is short. Every day we can see more pieces to the puzzle of the end times coming together in an amazing and unbelievable design. It’s fascinating and frightening all at the same time. But what it adds up to is that — whether through the rapture or coming persecution on believers– I just have to believe that the time to share our faith freely is going to end rather soon.
These three things compel me to use blogging and Social Media as a tool to share the Truth with as many people as possible!
It reminds me of this analogy my dad uses–
If I see you standing on the train track with a train headed towards you at full speed, my love for you as a fellow human being compels me to shout out a warning or perhaps even push you off of the track. I could never live with myself if I didn’t do something.
And so it is with the gospel and the Truth of God’s Word. My love for you and your eternal destiny compels me to get the word out. I don’t know why the Lord has laid it on my heart to use Facebook. While I think perhaps a few more of us should use social media to post about the things of God rather than constantly bringing attention to ourselves and our accomplishments, I am certainly not suggesting that there is anything wrong if you choose not to post about God. That is between you and God. Every Christian is given opportunities to witness and to evangelize, and most of those opportunities are not through social media– so there is no condemnation coming from me if you aren’t using social media to spread the gospel.
But now perhaps you can understand why I do what I do. I do want to be liked. I really do. But if me being liked means someone not hearing the message of the gospel, then I choose to be unliked. I choose to be talked about and ostracized if it means even one of you comes to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I choose to be unpopular if it means that you are challenged and convicted to grow in your walk with God.
Seriously.
So now you know.
A long time ago I read something that has stuck with me over the years. “Live for the applause of Heaven, not for the applause of people.” Sometimes that is very difficult to do, but I smile when I imagine all of Heaven clapping for me when I’ve made a “heavenly” choice!
Great thought! :)
Love this!
Thank you!! :)
I know for a fact that you unfriend those who speak the truth because it runs counter to your unbiblical agenda. I know for a fact that many who have unfriended you did so not because you speak the truth, but because you fail to. Because you preach a warped gospel that is full of hate and division. I know for a fact people have stopped following you because of your destructive nature. I know for a fact you will delete this comment, because you cannot tolerate the truth.
Stop trying to play a martyr.
Wow. Ok. You are exactly the kind of person that I am talking about. I am ok with you not wanting to hear the truth. In fact, I expect people like you to not want to.
And if I am speaking anything that is not biblical then I want to know. Please explain how what I am saying is unbiblical using scripture. Please do this via my contact page. I would really like to know what you take issue with. My goal is to only speak biblical truth, so if I am not then I genuinely want to know. Because it doesn’t matter what I say but only what God says. Martyrdom has nothing to do with it. At all. I just wanted people to know why I do what I do. I wasn’t complaining. I’m so sorry if I gave that impression. It certainly wasn’t my intention.
And one more thing– the fact that you expressed yourself in such a hateful manner totally proves my point. So thank you for that.
Excellent answer! Amen!
I do have one more question for you, Bill– how could you possibly know anything “for a fact” about me? I find your choice of words rather puzzling. I don’t know you and even if I did, you could have no way of knowing my reasons for unfriending someone on Facebook.
Leslie, just keep going to do so: to speak the Truth! Truth is Truth! Few are with you, because few are with the Lord Jesus Christ and the biblical truth, no worries! This world will be falling apart, sooner or later… but in Christ you and I are and will allways be happy, because we are trusting Jesus Christ and only Him. God is in control of everything! I am so happy because I trust Jesus! I passed throuth the same process like you with some/ a lot of my friends, who hate the truth of the Bible and who are happy to believe that God is only Love… I just love your blog! The only reason why I wanted to leave you is because you don t use KJV when quoting the Bible. About the truth of your blog, I just love it! Keep smiling! If you stand for Jesus no matter what, He is happy in Heaven! :) To Jesus be the glory forever and ever! <3
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Cristina! And thanks for sticking with me even though I don’t use the KJV version ;)
I know for a fact that you are a friend to those who are searching for truth, and in grace reach out to those who are lost, because I was (and am one of them).
I know for a fact that your agenda is Biblical, because you have a heart for God’s Word, a desire to stand true to it, and the boldness to call out division and false doctrine — with grace.
I know for a fact that many have friended you because you DO speak truth, which is evident in your two Bible studies that are growing. And is manifesting in your service to children.
I know for a fact that you share the gospel as it is presented in scripture — which is Christ focused (not self-focused), and that your bottom line is to encourage every believer to have discernment comparing every proclaimed “truth” with what scripture actually says…even if it causes division.
I know for a fact that people have started following you because of your steadfast faithfulness to your belief in Jesus Christ, and this is exactly why I reached out to you and asked for you to be my spiritual mentor–your unwavering dedication to following God’s Word, regardless of what it cost you–and your ready willingness to share your failures, struggles, and frustrations–humbly asking for prayer.
I know for a fact that you do not play the martyr, but have openly and willingly shared how after years of living as a Christian, you are humbled daily by how utterly sinful you truly are, and your great need and thankfulness for a Savior.
I know these things for a fact, because I’ve known you since we were in our early teens…in youth group together. You were assertive, confident, and a little overbearing in your faith and righteousness. And I was in full rebellion. I resented you. And we did not like each other. But I watched. And waited. And wondered when and where Leslie Goody-Two-Shoes would fall. Until 4 years ago – I had not seen or heard of you since 1984. And then through social media–there you were. And I watched. And waited. And wondered if you you were the same “sold out for Jesus” person you were in youth group. For two years I read your blog (and you never knew it) and was amazed. You were the same! Assertive in your words. Confident in your Savior. While time, marriage, children, life, and maturity had beautifully softened you around the edges–my lovely spiritually weathered (seasoned ?!) friend.
I know for a fact that my regular attendance at a Bible-believing church is due to your chastising, encouraging, nagging, and nudging. I know for a fact that my spiritual growth is in a large part due to your allowing Christ to use you as a vessel, even when it cost you time away from your precious family and long-term friends. I know for a fact that when I reach out to you in pain, you stop what you’re doing and pray for me, and with me. I know for a fact that I learned to spend time studying God’s Word inductively because you took the time to teach me how to. I know for a fact that my children are in Awana and learning scripture and Biblical truth because you encouraged me. I know for a fact that I’m developing friendships, and many are praying for my husband’s salvation because you confronted me to show up in obedience, even when I didn’t feel like it.
These, Leslie, are real, tangible facts.
I know this blog is one of your most vulnerable places, and that at times it is hurtful and humbling. And I know that when you committed to the Bible Reading Challenge, and aggressively encouraged others to join you, that spiritual warfare would become more intense.
So I leave you with this:
1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.
POINT: You can expect biblical truth to be unpopular. Christianity was not meant to be comfortable. It’s a free gift that could cost you everything. You will lose friends, you will have low “shares,” and you will be hurt. And at times, you will be greeted with scathing responses. Don’t give up. Be obedient.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true…think about these things.
POINT: OK – this is “our” verse — you know what I’m thinking and I hope it brings a smile.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
POINT: Don’t be discouraged. You are blessed. Don’t miss the grace He extends to you today, grab it and consume it. There will be more, renewed grace for you tomorrow.
I love you.
Your friend,
Jennifer Elder
Dear Jen– Word cannot express the feelings of gratitude that well up in my heart to read your kind and encouraging words. Thank you so much for the reminder! You have been such a blessing to me, as well. I believe God knew we needed each other :) And YES!!! I will think on what’s true! :)
Wow! He is one ticked off dude, with no specifics as to what is warped about the Gospel that you share. As I told Jennifer, expect to be called self-righteous or judgmental if you or I or anyone tells the Truth. I liked your response….except for the last lines. I do recognize sarcasm when I see it. Some might say I am really good at it. Just one of my many flaws. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you, Elaine :) And, yes, you are correct– my sarcasm did get the best of me although what I spoke was TRUTH– he did prove the post’s whole point ;) haha
Leslie, check out the song “Unashamed of You” by Chris August. I heard it this morning and I immediately thought of this post of yours. Hope it makes you feel strengthened.
Thank you, Kathleen :) That is one of my favorite songs!
Thank you. i needed this reminder. i realize i don’t know you and I’ve only recently started reading your blog but there is such a depth of God’s truth spoken here.
i have experienced some of these same things, even a Christian friend asking me why my posts are always about God? Sigh….how can I not speak of the One who saved me from eternal death? Anyway, so thankful I finally came over to check your blog out. ?
Thanks so much for stopping by and thank you for your encouraging words! I really appreciate them :)