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Help! I Talk too Much about Me

Mar 10, 2010
Daily Bible Reading

EdwinA dear friend and brother called today and asked me to peruse the titles of my posts. He was afraid that my titles make it seem like the only person I ever think about is me. When he first said something, I thought, “Well, that’s crazy.” But then I looked at the post titles. More than 2/3 of the first two pages contained the words I, me, my in them. Yikes!

I have two defenses and then a plea for your input.

First, I want this website to be a forum for each of us to share what strikes us in the day’s reading. I try to keep it personal. How good would it be if everyday what strikes me in the text the most is what I think you need to get out of it? I really am reading to see what I need to do. That means my posts are very often self-centered, but I hope in a good way. That’s why I always end with the request to learn how the passage struck you. Second, I’m trying to live by the mantra to lead with my weaknesses. I know when people advise me from a position of their strength, I usually think they don’t know what it’s like to deal with what I deal with. So as I strive to offer help and encouragement, I  offer my experience and hope that come from overcoming my weaknesses through Jesus instead of acting like I’ve got it all together and am passing on my wisdom to folks like you who really need some work. That often means talking about where the text shows that I messed up. 

Having said all of that, as I looked at the titles, I could see what my friend was saying. So, I have a request. With as much kindness and gentleness as you possibly can, let me know if you have gotten the same idea from the posts on here. If so, please let me know what you think will be the most positive and helpful way to write these daily devotions. 

If you disagree with my friend, I’d like to hear that as well, but please be very nice about it as the fellow is one of my best friends.

And thanks to the brother who pointed this out to me. I don’t want to do anything that will detract from the Scriptures we’re reading on here each day.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. Go back to today’s reading and let us know what struck you in it?

6 Comments
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  • Michelle

    Interesting post. I'm thinking your dear friend is also a dear friend of mine too and has been brutally honest with me in the past as well. I would have to disagree with him on this one. I don't see your posts as "it's all about me" but rather see them as how you see that these scriptures apply to you and your family. I do believe that one thing that makes you different, Edwin, from a number of preachers is that you regularly admit that you mess up and admit that you have problems. When I read your posts I see you taking an honest look at the scriptures and try to see how you can make you better. Given the fact that you really don't know who or how many will read your post everyday, then it seems best to write it as it applies to you and hope that it can help someone along the way as well. (Especially around month 3-1/2 when some of us fall off the bandwagon). I do like it that you have changed the last part to read "what struck you in the reading" instead of the leading questions that you used during the last 6 month period. This allows the reader to share something completely different from what you posted without feeling that they have completely ignored the question that you were really asking.

    I would like to add, however, that a good friend is one who knows our weaknesses and comes to our aid before our weaknesses lead us into sin. This person may feel like you have an issue with pride or arrogance (or you may have even admitted this to him in the past) and he is doing what he can to help keep you from going in this direction. If this is the case then you should do as Paul did with his friends and companions and thank God for him. Even if he is, perhaps, misguided in this case you know that indeed he is a true friend.

    • Edwin Crozier

      Actually, Michelle, it's not who you're thinking. Trust me on that one. Thanks for the encouragement.

  • http://thechurchinathens.com Brad Sullivan

    You're back on!!

    I completely understand where you're coming from. I think it is very encouraging for others to know the preacher struggles with things in his life too. It not only helps them, but it is also helpful to you as well. That being said, I don't think every post has to go in that direction. There is probably a happy medium that you can find so that you don't come across as being self centered. I have never felt that about you because I know you and I know where you're coming from. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge (I'm borrowing Paul's phrase, not the teaching) and as your friend pointed out, it can come across the wrong way. Instead of 2/3 maybe go for 1/2. Having said all of that, I would also encourage you not to let this distract you from doing your work. You do a good work, keep it up.

    • Edwin Crozier

      Great thoughts, Brad. Thanks for weighing in on this one.

  • http://www.manslickchurchofchrist.com Zack Lee

    This is coming from someone who has never met you. I have followed your blog(s) for sometime now. I have always understood when it comes to your blogs, especially give attention to reading, that you are simply writing your thoughts as to how the reading applies to YOU. I actually find it it refreshing, as Michelle stated, that you are open and honest about your weaknesses. As a preacher myself, I spend a lot of time thinking about how Scripture applies to everyone else. Your blog reminds me that I need to examine MYSELF on a regular basis. So, keep up the good work! Hope this helps.

  • Jim Canada

    Hey Edwin,

    One of the things that I love about your blogs is that your constant self examination gives us a peek into your walk with God. As a Christian and a preacher I benefit greatly to know that the issues you tackle are "your" issues and not just a theoretical exercise. Not because I like that you struggle, but it encourages me that men I respect, like you, share the struggles that sometimes challenge me.

    I hope that you do not change this about your writing style. It is very effective the way it is.

    If you don't mind though I will add one other thought. You might want to ask your friend if this was the only thing that made him bring up this issue. I don't take you to be the type of person who is too self focused. However, if your friend brought this to your attention, he may have wanted to mention for some time and considered your blog posts as a symptom when they may not be.

    Then again, what do I know.

    In my love and His grace and Peace

    Jim



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