Living part of my life online presents many challenges.  People will always disappoint, and those disappointments can be painful. Many of those challenges are no different than face-to-face challenges.  Most of them have to do with persons.  The main difference I see is online tends to be more in-your-face; and behind-your-back at the same time.

The in-your-face activity is direct and upfront.  Usually attempts at convincing others that one’s theological position is the ONLY correct one.  This often ends up bringing out the worst in people.  Often, it is not a calm discussion; but one loaded with hurtful words.

The behind-your-back issues are just that, secret and agenda-filled.  Sometimes it takes the form of gossip; sometimes it is a power grab, pushing others out of the way so you can replace them. I’m sure there are others, but those are the ones I have personally experienced.

We are sinners.  Our own selves continue to show us our continued need for dead Jesus on the cross.

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him;…a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench….. — Isaiah 42: 1, 3

1) The conscience is awakened, but minds are not changed, therefore when guilt passes, backsliders cease to be religious. Like the dog returning to their vomit: Eager for heaven because they fear the torments of hell; when the sense of hell cools, so does the desire for heaven.

2) Some people are slaves to fears that overpower them, and the fear of men brings a snare: Thinking to the self, they say, “It is good to be wise, but not run the risk of losing all, or bringing on unnecessary trouble,” so they fall in with the world again.

3) For others there is a stigma that surrounds religion so it is a stumbling block: These people think they are high and mighty, better than churchmen, religion is considered low and common, so they return to their former, worldly ways.

4) Yet another group of individuals does not like to think of guilt and fear, or the possibility of future misery: Once rid of their awakening about the fear and wrath of God, they gladly harden their hearts and choose ways to harden them more and more.

~~Paraphrased from Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress