As a writer, I also love the method of communication. I’m a wordsmith, and I appreciate the article that is not only informative but clever or the sermon that is poetic in addition to edifying. I’ll read a book where the characters are realistic, the dialogue pops, and the narrative flows well, even if the subject isn’t all that appealing to me. Similarly, I’ll choose which sporting event to watch based on the announcers as much as the teams playing. The author’s style isn’t as important as the message, nor should the sportscaster’s delivery overshadow the game he’s calling. But there is an artistry (at least in theory) involved, and I think the exercising of that artistry, when done with proper motivation, can reflect on the One who gave the artist his or her talents in the first place.
So that’s what I want to do with this blog—give my constant thinking a place to express itself, hopefully in an artistic manner. But there’s more to it than that. I don’t want this to be just another compilation of esoteric thoughts and opinions with some flowery language mixed in. I don’t want the gravy that gives the meat added flavor to become the main dish. I will opine from time to time, and the writer in me can’t resist some alliteration and a few metaphors. But my goal is to write—to think aloud, if you will—through a Biblical lens. As my next post will speak to, knowledge that isn’t rooted in truth isn’t worth the adroit words used to express it.
I don’t have a specific subject matter in mind. I’ll write about life, church, politics, sports—everything. And it won’t always be “spiritual” in nature. But whether I share my views on church discipleship strategy or react to a transcendent sporting event, I want to do so with a mindset that is shaped by Scripture. It’s a shaping process that is still ongoing, and I’ll admit I’m flawed. I can’t promise you everything you read will be right (and when it’s not, call me on it). But my intention is to think and write in a way that challenges you and me to see things as God sees them.
I often hear people say that another person has “a heart for the Lord.” But I’ve never heard of anyone being described as having “a mind for the Lord.” Ideally, we should have both, as one without the other falls apart (which I’ll cover in more detail in upcoming posts). The Apostle Paul admonished us to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” (Romans 12:1, NIV) It’s a process, one that needs to be ongoing. This is my effort to continue that process.
That is, to love God with all my mind.