The Shrewd Blogger

"We'll Blog until the whole world hears!"

There is an attitude among Christian bloggers that if we write as the Holy Spirit leads, we won’t have to market our blogs. We have an “If you build it, they will come” attitude and assume that God will miraculously expand our follower base. When other bloggers start gaining momentum by utilizing marketing techniques (e.g. blog awards, giveaways, ezine advertisements, guest posts, etc.), we are quick to label them as cheaters who are angling for an unfair advantage. I worried about this myself as a Christian blogger, until I read a parable that Jesus gives us in Luke 16:1-14.

A rich man is about to fire his manager, so the manager reduces the debts of everyone who owes the rich man money. The manager figures that if he helps the debtors, they will return the favor. The rich man finds out about the manager’s dealings and commends the manager on his shrewd tactics. Jesus closes the parable by saying, “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

We as Christians need to understand that we are not living in a Field of Dreams. We are living in the real world: A world that is shrewd and that does not tolerate freeloaders. Christian bloggers can no longer blame their ineffectiveness on God. We must exhaust all natural means of growing our blogs before we can expect a supernatural hand-out.

In this parable, Jesus commands Christians to do three things: 1) be shrewd 2) use worldly wealth 3) gain friends. First, bloggers can be shrewd by building a good understanding of the blogging world and staying aware of the current blogging trends. Second, bloggers can use worldly wealth to help them market their blogs. This does not necessarily mean money. Wealth can include resources, services, favors, awards, shout-outs, etc. Third, bloggers must gain friends. Relationships are vital in the blogging world, so great efforts should be made to connect with others.

But what really is all this for? Why does Jesus tell us (His disciples) to use “worldly wealth to gain friends for ourselves”? The answer is “eternal dwellings.” Christians have been commissioned by Jesus to spread the salvation message. This should be our desire and our obsession. The blogging world is merely another backdrop in which we paint the image of Christ. The more connections we make, the more chances we have at spreading the Gospel.

Having an impressive blogroll, a large follower base, a dozen online publications, and a plethora of comments mean absolutely nothing when we die. The only things we take with us to heaven are the souls we win for Christ. However, in order to win those souls we need to be “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Christians must surpass the cleverness of the world while keeping our intentions pure – we blog for God’s glory alone. If we are shrewd about the way we blog, we will walk down the streets of heaven and all of the people we led to Christ will call to us from their “eternal dwellings” and welcome us in for lunch!

* I just wanted to add that the Holy Spirit will guide you in how He wants you to market your blog. Many times we are obedient to God's will, but not obedient to God's way. If you are not experiencing a "holy ease," trust God's guidance. It might not be what He has in mind for you at this time. God will give you peace in your purpose and season. I believe we all have the same level of influence in this world, whether we are writing to millions or writing to one. Our possible treasures in heaven are all equal!

blessings to ya!