The issue:

1. Family members having personal blogs is a fairly recent development, but it seems to be a growing trend. Obviously, blogs are as varied as the person who writes them. There are some blogs that are inspiring to read, fun, unifying, enjoyable, a good testimony of the truth and our Family beliefs; and there are some Family blogs that are much less positive, and there are also some that are predominantly negative.

2. As you follow the links on most blogs of Family members, you come across a great variety of types and styles and content. Because blogs are new and somewhat of an "unknown" to some people, and also because some blogs that individuals have happened upon are of the more negative or shallow variety, Peter and I have started to get letters and questions from concerned parents, shepherds, and individuals. I asked the Lord for His mind on the matter, and I'm going to share that with you here. The question we asked was, "How does the Lord see blogging by Family members? What are some of the things that He considers would make a blog worth the time and effort invested?"

3. Let me say first that I don't know how much of a worldwide trend Family blogs are. I know of several areas—both "home" fields and mission fields—where blogging is a pretty big thing and a lot of people keep blogs. But I realize there are probably many areas where they're not a big deal, because going online is more expensive, or Internet access is more unreliable or hard to come by, or simply because those areas have other things that are "in" right now, and blogging isn't one of them. However‚ because it's possible for anyone to read anyone else's blog, and people from all over the world have probably seen some of the blogs, I feel this counsel will be helpful to all, and thus I'm publishing it in a GN. And if you don't have a blog and don't read blogs and don't know anyone who does, there's still good counsel in here about discipleship, shepherding, witnessing, and being a good testimony even to your brothers and sisters!

4. As I was preparing to ask various channels to help me with hearing from the Lord about the topic of blogs, I compiled a list of some of the obvious pros and cons—based mainly on the letters I've received, as well as some personal experience of a few people in WS who have in-house blogs themselves.

Pros:

5. * They're a form of fellowship and a means to stay in touch with friends and family. It's fun to keep up with what your friends and personal family are doing, and posting news on a blog saves having to write individual letters to people.

6. * They're a way to share photos and music and other such inspiring things, which are fun and enjoyable.

7. * They're a hobby some people enjoy and find relaxing and worthwhile.

8. * Keeping a blog could be educational for someone who wants to practice or improve their creative writing skills, or have an outlet for expressing their thoughts—much like a journal or a diary would be.

9. * A blog can be a witness if it is written positively and in the Lord's Spirit. Blogs can be an avenue to share godly views‚ lessons‚ inspiring tidbits‚ interesting news clips, even excerpts from the Word‚ excerpts of personal prophecies‚ etc. If they contain that kind of content, they are another voice on the Internet giving the truth or shedding light where there is so much darkness.

10. * They can be a source of encouragement and camaraderie and positive peer pressure, an avenue to share lessons or personal happenings, and receive the support and prayers of your friends through the comments they post. Also‚ for those in small Homes or far-flung fields, it could provide an avenue for more fellowship and friendship with others in the Family.

Cons:

11. * They can be a security breach if too much information is shared unwisely, especially as concerns area projects, other Homes, etc.

12. * They can be a bad testimony if they reflect negatively on the Family and our lifestyle, or endorse things which aren't legal or are prohibited in the Charter (such as underage drinking).

13. * They can take a lot of time, and in an extreme case, they could take away from Home fellowship and Home unity, if a blogger becomes more interested in spending time blogging or reading others' blogs than in building the bonds they need in their own winning team.

14. * They can be a source of negative peer pressure and ungodly input if those hosting the blog, or if the majority of the comments, are negative, pointless, complaining, or murmuring.

15. * They are an avenue that some former members at times use to get the attention of Family young people. Some of our detractors have at times gone on Family blogs and commented extensively, and then our Family young people go to those Family blogs for fellowship and wind up wading through the extremely negative comments and sometimes blatant "recruiting" tactics from the detractors. Some Family members are faithful to moderate and take down the nasty or uncalled-for posts that come up on their blogs, as well as write rebuttals and stand up for their convictions, but others aren't.

16. * There is sometimes not much of substance in a blog compared to the time the person spends on it.

God's mind on the matter:

17. (Jesus:) A blog is a vehicle‚ a method, a form of communication, and like any form of communication, it can be used for good or bad. The method itself is not the issue; the issue is how it is used. Any form of communication or expression‚ from a personal e-mail to a website to a blog, from a song to a poem to a photo, from a comment to a conversation to a facial expression, has potential to cause good or bad. And as always, the way to judge anything—including blogs—is by their fruit.

18. If someone who is blogging is an on-board Family disciple‚ their fruits and works will show it—including the fruits of their lives, how they spend their time, and what is on their blog and what it results in.

19. There are as many situations and as many different styles of blogging as there are people, because it is an individual thing and everyone expresses themselves in different ways, has different personal interests or hobbies, different talents‚ etc.

20. I will, however, give some general guidelines or points on what makes a blog worthwhile—what makes it a positive influence, what makes it worth other Family members viewing and reading, what makes it worth the investment of time on the part of the blogger.

21. A worthwhile blog would have most, if not all, of the "fruits" listed here:

22. • It's a timesaver in some way. In other words, rather than writing a bunch of different e-mails to a bunch of different relatives, Family members, or friends, or rather than writing a personal journal, you're writing those things on the blog instead. It either takes the same amount of time or less time than something else you were doing before or would be doing instead.

23. • It doesn't cut into your Word time‚ your time with your mate and/or children, time fellowshipping and interacting with your Home members, your ministry, your exercise, or other activities necessary to your Home life and discipleship. It's kept in its place, as a hobby and an extra, as an enhancer in some way, but it doesn't crowd out things that are truly important. This is a key and non-optional point.

24. • It lifts up the principles of the Word and the things of the spirit. This is another key point—non-optional. It doesn't mean that every post has to have a quote from the Word, but overall the things you post should maintain or support the principles of the Word—the principles of truth, faith, love, compassion, giving, witnessing, and the beliefs of the Family. And things that are posted should not go against the Word or the principles of the Word.

25. • It attracts people who are like-minded as its largest audience. In other words, it propagates ties of brotherhood and fellowship. It is a source of reaching out to one another and encouraging each other in the faith. It provides moral support and positive peer influence to those who view it. Those who frequent it most should be those who share in your faith and who support and build you up as well.

26. Of course, any Family blog that is active and interesting, especially if it is filled with conviction and Word-based commentary, is also going to attract the attention of negative former members who want to "pick a fight." So the fact that people post negative comments and that all your "traffic" isn't like-minded brothers isn't reason to close up shop; in fact, it could be a confirmation that you're doing things right, that you're having conviction, and the "hit dog is howling."

27. Anyone running a blog should, however, take some form of precaution to see to it that the overwhelming majority of the content is positive and faith-based. And if you see that most of the comments are negative, and that those who share your attitude and faith are not your main audience‚ you may want to reconsider your blogging methods or reconsider blogging altogether.

28. • It is a witness in some way. Fellowship among your brothers and sisters is good, and is a form of witness in itself. It's best‚ though, if your blog can also be a way of reaching out to others besides Family members. It's not that you have to change all the terminology, use no Family lingo and be all "PR-like" about it. However, you'll keep in mind that "anyone" can read it and thus you'll try to say things in such a way that they might be a help or witness to curious Web surfers. Certainly you'll ensure that it is a positive rather than a negative reflection of your testimony as a Christian and a Family member.

29. • It meets a need. Maybe the need is promotion of your ministry or local work. Maybe the need is fellowship and moral support. Maybe the need is getting feedback and help on something you're learning or doing. There could be a large variety of needs. But in some way or another, a blog should be meeting a need.

30. • It sharpens skills that are useful for your ministry and witnessing. Those could be skills such as writing, designing, drawing‚ photography, music, etc. If having a blog prods and motivates you to enhance the talents and skills I've given you—and doesn't in fact pull you away from time you could be doing so—this is good. If having a place to post your "works" encourages you to do more with them, and gives you opportunity to get feedback on your work, if it helps you to hone talents that you can use for My glory, this is good.

31. • It helps you learn to better express yourself and to articulate your beliefs, feelings‚ lessons, etc. It's important as a missionary and disciple to keep your communication muscles in shape. A blog is by no means the only way to do this, nor is it the most effective for everyone; but for some it is very effective, or their only or major option at the time. It is one of several ways‚ along with face-to-face communication and letter-writing, through which you can practice your skills of communicating and expressing yourself.

32. • It's attractive to the eye, organized clearly‚ and easy to follow. This may seem somewhat trivial, but the fact is that if it's messy and unclear, or if it's set up in a way that's very harsh on the eyes, or if it's full of goofs or typos or broken links, you'll probably get less traffic, making it less worth your while to blog. You'll also waste the time of the readers. Whereas if it's nice and user-friendly and organized‚ they'll be able to benefit from your postings without using too much of their time.

33. • It is prayed about and confirmed with Me. If you're wondering whether a blog is a worthwhile investment of your time and effort, ask Me to tell you. The best would be to ask Me for a specific list of reasons why it would be useful or helpful to you, as well as asking Me to outline any cons or timewasters to be aware of. Ask Me to show you clearly whether the pros outweigh the cons. Ask Me for any counsel, tips, or safeguards to help make your blog as good as it can be and to protect it and you from going down the wrong track.

34. If you already have a blog but you didn't pray and hear from Me when you set it up, come to Me now and check in, ask Me what the pros and cons are for you, and whether it's still worth your while. Or even if you did pray at the start, it can't hurt to check in again, both to make sure you should still have it and to see if things are going well, or whether you need any checks or safeguards to help you make it a more fruitful and worthwhile experience.

35. If you can answer positively on these points, and your current or planned blog meets these criteria, then blog away!—Within reason, within wise use of time, and within whatever guidelines or tips I have given you personally. If I show you, or others point out to you, that your blog doesn't meet this criteria or that it's pulling you away from necessary or important things, then please be open to that counsel and be willing to reevaluate, for the sake of your own precious life and spirit and time, and for the sake of others and the influence you are having on them. (End of message.)

Additional reading:

36. (Mama: ) Here are some more jewels from the Lord about how to make your blog worthwhile.

37. (Jesus:) As with anything that My children choose to spend their time doing, if you start a blog it should be for the right reasons, and it should be a sample of your life as a disciple. Many have started blogs that are a great witness of their lives of service to Me, of the time they spend helping others, of the miracles that I am performing in their lives, or just the day–to-day happenings of a missionary.

38. Sharing your life with others is a witness, and with the Internet becoming viewed more and more by so many around the world, anything that My children can do to tap into that avenue for witnessing is a good thing.

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39. Just as before you go out to witness you pray and ask Me to help you be a good testimony of My love to whoever you come in contact with, even casually, you should look at blogging the same way. Each time you click "post," you are putting your words out there for anyone to see and read. You never know who will read it and how their lives will be affected by it.

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40. As more and more people around the world start to blog‚ the "noise" gets louder. There are so many useless blogs out there of the happenings of people's daily lives, of the System and what it has to offer. So many millions of people just talking, it's overwhelming. If you want to just be one of the many, just chatting about your life with no real witness, then it's not worth it. There are too many blogs doing that already.

41. If you're going to take your time to blog, there should be a reason to do so‚ and that reason should be to be a witness to others—be it others in the Family, about your discipleship and encouraging them in their lives for the Lord as well, or as a witness to the lost who need to hear My words. Or maybe it will be a bit of both. One way or another, it should be a witness and should frequently acknowledge Me, whether in a few words or sentences, a Bible verse or quote or whatever.

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42. Promote things that manifest the fruits of the spirit. That is a good verse to bear in mind when posting something on your blog: Does it manifest or promote one of the fruits of "love‚ joy, peace, longsuffering‚ gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness or temperance" in some way (Gal.5:22-23)? Is it "of good report" and does it manifest "virtue" or "praise"? If so, then as the verse says‚ "think on these things," or in this case‚ "write on these things" (Phil.4:8).

43. Not everything that happens in your life or around you is happy, but there is always occasion to praise and glorify Me in some way, and your blog should reflect that overall attitude if it is to be a blessing not only to yourself but to others as well.

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44. Make your blog one of substance. Make it a witness of your life for Me. Make it such that if someone reads it they will see Me and will know that you are different, that you stand out from the crowd. If you do, I will bring My sheep to read it; they will find you, and you will see the fruits of your labors.

Other ideas and tips for blogs:

45. • Set up a Home blog where any individual in your Home can post their witnessing experiences, photos, stories, etc. Then your Home's blog becomes an ongoing online newsletter which provides inspiring updates, photos, testimonies, or news of fun events to your friends, supporters, and those interested in knowing more about you. (If you do this, be sure you can keep up the momentum and post regularly so that your blog remains current and a good testimony.)

46. • Regarding negative comments being posted on your blog: Remember that it's not a democratic public discussion forum, but rather your personal blog (or your Home's personal blog) and you have every right to delete anything on there that you don't agree with. In fact, it might often be wiser to do that, rather than get into a public online argument. Some blog software programs also allow you to block certain people from posting (by their IP), so if someone is continually pestering you despite deleting their comments, you can block them. If you run into a big problem with this, you can also turn off comments altogether. The bottom line is: If you allow comments on your posts, don't forget to monitor them; most blog software will e-mail you if a comment is made on a post, making it easy to stay on top of it without having to check the whole site.

Key promise:

47. Claim the keys of witness and articulation as you write, and I will help you to grow in your communication skills and to convey thoughts and feelings and concepts in a way that will be interesting and beneficial to the readers, and most importantly‚ will draw them to Me.

Challenging Thot:

48. (Dad:) Why settle for mediocrity when you can be outstanding? Why wish to blend in with the masses when you are destined to be one in a million? Shine your light for all to see, that men may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven!

Dig Deeper:

Please see the combined Letter links in the next section.

Shepherding Blogs

The issue:

49. (Mama:) Connected to the preceding issue is the question of how to shepherd blogs. It's very much a person's individuality coming into play as far as what they write, and it's not like anyone wants to change that. But for the sake of our witness to the world, our testimony‚ and our lives as disciples, how does the Lord see this?

50. The Lord shoots straight in the following message—but it's really nothing new. We're disciples and we're here for Jesus, and we want to be a good reflection of Him. So that applies to blogs too. Portions of this message are directed to Home shepherds‚ but I think all of you will find it helpful counsel and will appreciate knowing the Lord's mind on the matter.

God's mind on the matter:

51. (Jesus:) Once something gets "put out there" for others to see, it enters the same realm as conversations with others, and in some cases even public statements. If disciples are broadcasting their viewpoints, and those viewpoints and opinions aren't in line with the Word, then they need shepherding‚ simple as that.

52. People have already agreed to a certain form of censorship when they become disciples. In fact, I'm the biggest censor of all! I've told you to censor every idle word, for example (Mat.12:36-37). I've told you to censor everything that isn't good, loving, just, pure, of good report, etc. (Phil.4:8). I've told you to put away murmurings, disputings, filthy speech, anger, malice, and so on (Phil.2:14-15; Col.3:8). These are all things in My Word that as good as say, "If what you're saying is in one of those categories‚ then don't say it." So this is not a new concept, nor is it an outdated one.

53. And it applies just as much to blogs and Internet postings as it does to conversations, letters, e-mails, or any other area of your lives in which you can convey thoughts and feelings to one another. The best thing to do then in shepherding blogs and websites is not to look at the medium as anything different, as though a new standard needs to be applied, but rather to look at the message—what is being said—and judge it on the same merits as if someone had made that comment in front of visitors or new sheep, or had even written it in a letter to a few friends.

54. So censorship accusations or free speech arguments don't hold up when applied to the Internet, any more than they apply to any other aspect of your life as disciples and representatives of Me. You can't say‚ "Well, I'm not speaking for the Family. This is just me personally‚ my thoughts and so on." If your "thoughts and so on" are negative and are raising eyebrows and causing other Family members to feel that it's possibly a detriment to your discipleship, or a poor testimony and could affect your witness‚ then you should get checked up on—not just to be corrected for saying those things, but so that you can receive shepherding and help to find out what's wrong inside, what's up with your heart and attitude that you would feel like spreading such things around.

55. Of course, the flip side to that is that, as always‚ as shepherds you must have wisdom and restraint and not go jumping all over someone for every comment that happens to raise a few eyebrows. Especially in shepherding young people, you should have a certain expectation that every now and then they will say something for shock value‚ or they will slip in their commitment to focus more on the Word and will be heard to promote something unedifying in a public area of the Home. That probably wouldn't turn out to be a big issue for you as a shepherd, and you may not even follow up on it unless you hear of it happening again, or unless the comment made seems very serious.

56. People's faith and commitments are at all sorts of different levels and I'm bringing each one along, as much as they'll let Me, toward a higher level of discipleship. So from time to time some people will take offense at the things which others do or say, and will find their own standard being contravened. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's wrong according to the standards of the Word‚ or actually something that needs to be corrected. To know what is important and what isn't, you'll have to ask Me and exercise wisdom, and knowing the state of your flock can really pay off too.

57. If you have a blogger in your Home, and you know them and you know where their discipleship is at‚ then you'll be in a much better position to judge how severe or not the comments they make are, and how seriously it should be taken. You might know that they are actually really on board and possibly just need a reminder to reflect that more in their writings. Or you might know that it is a sign that they're not doing so well overall, are probably not very happy, and you need to try to help them.

58. Some people are simply loose or uncontrolled with their words, and while it doesn't spell the end of the world‚ or of their discipleship, they do need to be reminded and helped to form good habits of knowing what's worthwhile to talk about and what isn't. Speaking and writing in a way that is a positive reflection of Me is all part of the testimony of a disciple.

59. The one real difference between blogging and comments made in the course of a day is that what is written on a blog remains—and remains to be read over again verbatim. So the difference is that if something is posted that is unacceptable, more will probably need to be made in restitution than it would for a verbal comment. In such cases you might actually want to ask someone to delete a certain post, or reword it‚ or write an apology or clarification of what they meant, or some such thing. Upholding a Christian standard, and being willing to rectify it when you slip, is just part of the territory of being a blogger in the Family.

60. Basically there are no special exceptions for blogging. Much is made on the Internet of free speech and no censorship, and that attitude is very contagious. The whole idea of the Internet promotes the individual: "This is my site, about me. These are my words, and no one else can censor me, tell me what to write," and so on.

61. But that isn't the way it is with disciples. Others may; you cannot. As professionals and as My chosen ones who are voluntarily living under My rules for discipleship‚ you agree to give up those selfish ideas that what you say can't be changed by Me or anyone else. You try to make your words a reflection of Me, and when you do otherwise, if it's negative, you should try to atone for it, remove it, and make sure to make it better through apology, explanation, clarification, or whatever else is necessary.

62. That's just the way it is as a disciple. You are not your own‚ you are bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your body and your spirit—and that covers your words, written or otherwise—which are God's (1Cor.6:19-20).

63. And you shepherds must not be intimidated by people and their viewpoints or their protests. You might feel hesitant to get into a topic like this or check up on it, and it is a tricky, personal thing to be sure‚ but it's still your job to ask about it, to find out what the deal is, and to fight in spirit for the service and discipleship of those in your Home.

64. As you pray about it personally I will give you wisdom in each situation and you'll know how far is too far‚ or when you should get more involved than you have.

65. And remember above all: Use the Word as your standard, not your own interpretations. The published Word is the authoritative source that measures what is godly and what is ungodly. The Word also gives counsel on letting people have freedom and trusting Me to work in their lives as I see fit and at My pace, as well as giving people leeway and room to be themselves. So if you follow the Word and apply it with a balanced implementation, you won't stray too far into compromise on the one hand, or into heavy-handedness on the other. But if you lean to your own understanding and judge others by your personal standard or sensibilities, you'll have nothing but trouble. (End of message.)

Additional reading:

66. (Jesus:) Two main factors that I consider crucial in the realm of blogs are:

67. 1) How does it affect you‚ the blogger? Does it take your time away from other important things? Does it edify your spirit? Are the things you're writing, and the comments you receive in return‚ strengthening your faith or weakening it? Is it fun for you and a blessing in your life, a good activity that you enjoy and benefit from?

68. 2) How does it affect others? What kind of testimony is it? What kind of fruit is it bearing in others' lives? Is it drawing others closer to Me and inspiring them, or is it pulling them down and taking them away from Me and the things of the spirit?

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69. (Jesus:) Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty and freedom and happiness (2Cor.3:17)! I like your Family blogs and the freedom of individual expression they give you. I like it when individuals express their thoughts and feelings and their love for Me and others in ways that only they can, and blogs can provide that opportunity. I like your faith and praise and acknowledgment of Me and My ways.

70. I have given each Family individual different gifts of personal expression. Part of the beauty of the Family is that so many individuals can live together in unity of beliefs and goals and purpose, yet maintain and respect each other's individuality. That's not an easy balance to maintain without a great deal of love, wisdom, and understanding, and I'm proud of those who are growing in these ways.

71. However, although I love wild freedom and the many and varied ways that people express themselves‚ I also know that no man is an island and everyone affects others in some way—for good or for bad. That's why counsel is good. That's why shepherding is necessary—not to contain or control, but to be a sounding board and a source of godly counsel.

72. The Family and Family members are on stage almost continuously, and what's spoken in secret will at some time be shouted from the rooftops. Everything you say or do will be observed and judged by others, so what you say, do‚ or write as a Family member will reflect on the Family and others in the Family. A witness, a disciple, will always have that in mind. They will be conscious of their effect on others, and out of their love for others and their love for Me, they will want their words and actions, whether in a question or as a statement, to be a vehicle to draw others closer to Me and to true freedom of spirit.

73. I am for freedom. But freedom does not mean unlimited license, unlimited choice, or unlimited opportunity, nor is it anarchy. Freedom is first of all a responsibility. What do you do with the freedom you have? Is your so-called freedom a stumbling block or rock of offense to others? Is that how you want your freedom to be seen or used?

74. The great things in life come with a great measure of responsibility. Do you have the maturity to use what you have been given wisely and lovingly? If not, as with a child who harms himself or others with what he's been given, it may have to be taken from you for a time. Anyone can be negative, undermining, doubtful, or critical, but a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Pro.25:11).

75. I'm not trying to cramp anyone's style or make them feel squelched or limited, but I do want them to learn in wisdom what to say and when to say it so as to be a healthy reflection of Me—one who draws others to Me and imparts love‚ rather than the opposite.

76. I want the Family to become a witness and testimony in all areas of life, which includes their personal blogs, but that may involve shepherding—and for some more than for others. Constructive criticism is sometimes hard to take. It takes a great measure of humility, but the recompense is wisdom. (End of message.)

In summary:

77. (Mama:) Blogs can be a wonderful tool, witness‚ hobby, recreational activity, and more. The Lord lists some qualities that fruitful blogs should have, as a way to evaluate whether your personal blog is worth your precious time.

78. Our goal as disciples is to be a good reflection of Jesus‚ and personal blogs are part of that reflection. If we aren't being a good reflection of Jesus, we should be open to shepherding. The goal of shepherding blogs is the same as shepherding any other area of life.

Tip to shepherds:

79. You can pray about this, and of course are free to go as the Lord leads you in the application of this counsel. But you might find it helpful to allow some time for those who have blogs to personally absorb this counsel and evaluate their blogs and blogging habits before getting involved and trying to help. This is new counsel for everyone, and it's very possible that people will make the changes themselves without any outside help, and you won't have to do or say anything—or very little.

80. It's natural that there will be some people who need to make big changes in their blogging habits after reading this counsel‚ or maybe even will want to start fresh with a new blog. But giving them a chance to think about this counsel and make those decisions themselves first will make it easier overall—easier for them and less work for you. After a month or so would be a good time to discuss this GN as a Home, or with individuals, and see if there is any further change still needed.

Key promise:

81. Claim the keys of discernment, and I will help you to know when to shepherd and when to hold your peace. Claim the keys of understanding, and I will help you to know when to prayerfully intervene and when to let Me do the work in someone's life.

Challenging Thot:

82. (Dad: ) The most important job you have to do on this Earth is to witness and share God's love and truth with others. So make everything in your life a witness! And if making your blog as good as it can be, as worthwhile as it can be, as great a witness as it can be, requires the counsel and instruction of others, then so be it! Swallow your pride‚ and be willing to accept shepherding when necessary‚ because it will only bear good fruit—making your blog more of a log of truth, to draw many to the light. Your blog should not blend in with the darkness; it should be a shining light that will pierce through the darkness of this world!

Dig Deeper: