Do Not Crave His Traffic

PROVERBS 23:1-12, BLOGGERS EDITION

When you login to network with a moderator, note well what is before you, and delete your post if you are given to trolling. Do not crave his traffic, for that social networking is deceptive.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich or drive more traffic to your site; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at blog ratings, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky or blogosphere like an eagle.

Do not comment in the post of a stingy blogger, do not crave his traffic; for he is the kind of bloggger who is always thinking about his ranking. "Post and comment," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have Dugg and will have wasted your shouts.

Do not reply to a blogging fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your comments.

Do not try and change moderators rules or trespass on the forums of the clueless, for their webmaster is strong; he will take up their case to ban you.

Apply your heart to your profile and your ears to His "About Me" pages.

- Proverbs 23:1-12 (Bloggers Edition, Alexander)

See also:
Bloggers Demand Miraculous Signs

Alexander is a writer in the online spiritual battlefield. You can also find him at The Scrooge Report.

Your Words Can Give Life

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Often, we take words so casually, tossing them around with such disregard. However, as Jon Walker, author of "The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals" writes:

We can speak death with our words, or we can speak life.

Walker's devotional continues about the "killing" capabilities of words:

Perhaps you’ve been on the other side of the killing kind of messages: “You’re not smart enough. You’re not thin enough. You’re not fast enough. You’re not good enough. A real Christian wouldn’t think such a thing.”

In a world where people are beat up and put down, God gives you superhero power to punch through the negativity. You speak life to others when you say: “You matter to me. I like you just the way you are. You’re human, anyone could think that. Your life counts. You were created for a purpose. God loves you, and you’re incredibly valuable to him.”

Your words may be the only encouraging thing some people hear in a day, or a week, or a month. You – yes, you – can become the voice of God’s grace in the lives of others, supporting, loving, helping, and encouraging with the words that flow from your mouth. (Romans 14:19b)

In the New Testament, the word ‘encouragement’ often means “to come alongside.” We’re to come alongside one another, “building each other up,” just as the Holy Encourager comes alongside us to teach us and remind us of the way of Jesus. (John 14:26)

We become encouragers when we stop looking down and start looking up (Colossians 3:2) – the need and opportunity for encouragement is everywhere. “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us,” (Romans 15:2a MSG) and this “will build them up.” (Romans 15:2b NLT)

So, how about it? Will you become today a consistent source of encouragement to those around you? It’s a choice on your part. You can lift a person’s spirit, change the atmosphere of your office, or lighten the burden of someone in your small group. The Bible says we should “look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15b MSG)

My suggestion? Get personal. Start with a smile...that's a way of speaking, too. Smile encouragingly to someone working hard...even if it's someone you don't know. Or as Walker writes:

Commit to encouragement – Make a choice to build up the people around you. Fill your conversations with phrases like: “I believe in you,” “I’m grateful for you,” “I see God using you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I’m glad you’re in my life.” The Bible says we should “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Value others – An encourager works hard at bringing the best out in others. Value people by understanding they are valuable to God. He encourages you in spite of the failings in your past; he believes in you in spite of those annoying, little things you excuse in yourself but criticize in others. J (Quite honestly, this thought compels me to give grace to others.)

Be encouraged – Encourage yourself, for “there is good news of great joy for all people, and his name is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-10)

Jon Walker has worked with Pastor Rick Warren, through Saddleback Church, Purpose Driven Ministries, and Pastors.com. Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" is one of the top-selling books of all time. The book has been used as study material for Bible and book studies around the world.