Official June 2011 Monthly Guest Blogging Contest Post #6
Contest Article
I know right now you are probably thinking “what could blogging possibly have to do with Jesus?” Don’t worry I’m not preaching a religious sermon, but laying out some comparisons of the mission of Jesus and what you as a blogger should hope to accomplish in your blogging life. The bible tells us that Jesus was God in-bodied in the flesh. Even with that being the case the people of His home town couldn’t accept that. He didn’t let that stop Him however.
He ventured out to spread his message of salvation and not just to the Jews but he included everyone. At a young age he astonished the elders with his knowledge and wisdom. He had a clear understanding of His mission and used parables to explain concepts that people could not comprehend.
He took a small group of 12 Apostles and 70 disciples to spread His message to anyone who would listen. To those that wouldn’t, he just kept marching forward knowing that not everyone would want to hear what he had to say. He proved Himself worthy of His position, but never basked in the glory of success He remained humble.
He was vigilant to the end never giving up and still offering what He had as death was before Him. Today 1.5 billion people are Christians and the bible is the bestselling book of all time. Not bad for being born in a manger. The bible tells us that Jesus was the son of God; which means He really didn’t have to work as hard as He did, but He took the challenge to set the example.
Perseverance is the Key
Jesus encountered plenty of difficulties and obstacles and could have become discouraged. Some people may not except that you know what you’re doing as a blogger or even in your own niche. You cannot be discouraged by the naysayers. Jesus knew what He came to do. You must have a clear course of action. There is no room for just winging-it. Prepare a plan and never just settle for where you are currently.
Don’t be afraid to venture outside your boundaries or lock yourself in to a certain group of people. It doesn’t take 10, 50 or 100 thousand followers on Twitter or a huge following on Facebook to get your message across. It’s about the intimate relationship you establish with those few people you come to know. Make an impression on them and your message will speak for itself. Never settle for short-term success because it takes long term sacrifice to truly attain your dream.
Jesus changed the landscape forever. Your goal should be to change the landscape in your niche. You shouldn’t just want to be like someone else; you should strive for being the reason other people are doing what they do. Now the life of Jesus is much bigger and more detailed than I have described, but so is the world of blogging. Only through your perseverance, course of action, ability to overcome obstacles and difficulties will you be able to accomplish the mission and set the example that others will want to follow.
Andreas Pazer (194)
Jafar Dhada (169)
abhibalani (148)
Holly Jahangiri (110)
bbrian017 (62)
Justin Germino (60)
Kris Edison (50)
James Pruitt (46)
Naseef (32)
Rahul Kuntala (31)
Hi Alvin,
I like what you say about the fact that it’s not necessarily about how many followers you have on Twitter, but about the relationships you form with the followers you do have. If you make an impact on them and form a meaningful relationship, then they’ll spread the word about your to others.
Nice post!
Petra
Twitter: maddencorner
Thanks Petra for your comment. I’ve learned that numbers are overrated. What’s you have that people believe in that counts.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Twitter: bullishink
You’re so right – the number of twitter followers isn’t nearly as important as the quality – the genuine relationships that come out of it are priceless. Being in the midst of great role models (online and off) certainly encourages me to stay focused and persevere!
Twitter: maddencorner
I know Ruth it’s so True, and your one of those people I’ve been able to count on. Thank you for your comment.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
I love it when bloggers can make a connection with all parts of life. What an engaging way of making a point. You’re right, it’s about engaging with others, not a large following that moves you forward. For some reason people are sold on that myth and I’m glad you are working to bust it.
Twitter: maddencorner
Thanks Sherrie. I was really looking for a different viewpoint that I think most people ignore because of the subject, but that’s what engaging is all about. Keeping an open mind even when you may disagree because I feel there is something to learn in every venue.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Twitter: elyse_d
Very interesting comparison here, Alvin. I honestly never thought of it that way, but your points make sense. It IS about overcoming obstacles, staying committed to your message and quality, not quantity of followers. It’s also important to remain humble and true to yourself.
Thanks!
Twitter: maddencorner
Thanks for stopping by Elyse. That’s what it’s all about. Staying true to one’s self and letting your passion and determination drive you.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Twitter: kirapermunian
Great! Your post is appealing to me! It’s Jesus in there. I strongly agree as Victory belongs to the most persevering. It is really required if you want to make sense in the blogosphere and yeah no way but to have the qualities you’ve mentioned. Thanks for sharing such inspirational post! Cheers!
kirapermunian recently posted..Take Your SEO Strategy to the Next Level
Twitter: Ileane
Alvin, I know where you’re coming from with this analogy. This is especially true for bloggers who are at a crossroads and they are about to give up their blogs when they run out of steam. Thanks for encouraging them to persevere. Numbers don’t always tell the whole story so look for a deeper connection within your network and as time goes by should grow naturally just hang in there!
Ileane recently posted..Blog Engage Guest Posting Contest
Well written and extremely beneficial for me! Sometimes blogging can make you feel like you’re talking to yourself, but if I can reach just one person and do it unto the Lord through my blogs, I’ve done what I’ve been called to do. Forget following everyone else, I’m following Jesus!
Great post, Alvin!
Twitter: maddencorner
Hey LaVender! Trust me your not talking to yourself. I read those emails every Monday!
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Great post Alvin! I got your message though not written in there but it gives me a clear vision on how to succeed and success is composed of perseverance, clear thinking, patience(thinks like popularity doesn’t come in an instant), reputation and respect must be earned.
Thanks for this inspiring blog post.
jkar recently posted..Product Photography – First Step to A Good Advertising Campaign
Twitter: maddencorner
I’m glad that you got something out of this Jkar. I wish you much success.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
It’s interesting the connection you made with two entirely different entities. It’s the concept of: build a small loyal army then watch out for invasion.. I totally agree to that. You can’t blog for everyone.. Jesus did set the example..
Twitter: maddencorner
Hi Ileane. Yes there is a lot wrapped up in numbers and just because you’re not meeting the criteria that everyone things you should doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. It just take patience. Thanks for your comment!
A. Tatum recently posted..The Madden Corner Has Moved to Word Press
Twitter: ekimnemeth
Excellent comparison. I was just thinking how Christianity propelled civilization and technology forward. Jesus basically said “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and unleashed a torrent of good will upon the world. Perhaps our societal embrace of this “be cool” concept enabled the geeks and thinkers of the past 2,000 years to work their magic and give us all the wonders and comforts we take for granted today.
ekimnemeth recently posted..What does a gallon of gas really cost?
Twitter: maddencorner
EKimnemeth I know that’s how this idea hit me. Christianity has a huge impact on our culture, but it doesn’t get talked about in the main blogosphere a lot.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Twitter: ivinviljoen
The easiest thing for someone to do is give up, especially when faced with difficulty. If Jesus gave up there would be no Christianity. I love blogging parables. Great job!
Twitter: maddencorner
Ivin that is why you will find a lot of dead blogs out there because “A” people just give up or “B” they thought it was all about making a quick $$. Thanks for your comment.
A. Tatum recently posted..The Blog Engage Contest- Time to Elevate Your Blogging Status
Twitter: SheilaAtwood
Alvin,
This is a great analogy. The influence of one man can make a difference. Our ability to make things go right is our greatest ability. And when our purpose is to influence others into greatness….it works.
Twitter: maddencorner
So true. Regardless of what you believe in it’s hard to deny the impact Jesus has had on the world and with the proper approach anyone can have an affect on the world. You have to believe and not give up. Thanks Sheila
A. Tatum recently posted..Year of the Dragon-Blogger
Twitter: aynilists
Never read about such a comparison before, very original! I’m not a religious man myself, but I was brought up in a Christian family so I can appreciate and understand this just fine
You’re absolutely right on the fact that blogging is not necessarily about reaching the huge masses in a short period of time. It’s about your own thoughts and your own writing style that people just like you can appreciate. Upholding the community-value of your blog and its followers in the blogosphere is what it’s all about.
Ofcourse making a little extra on the side is a great blogging perk as well
Great article mate, good luck in the contest!
Sietse recently posted..5 Ways to Improve Your Health With Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Twitter: maddencorner
Sietse I’m glad you enjoyed it. People always say Rome wasn’t build in a day, but I don’t think they ever really consider what that means. Blogging is a marathon not a race.
A. Tatum recently posted..Year of the Dragon-Blogger
Twitter: WillCarissa
Alvin,
First and foremost – thank you for your service. I have Marine roots myself (ROTC/Reserves), and I have a lot of friends and family who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.
This was a very refreshing article. I appreciate the message here – Christian or non-Christian, Jesus was an amazing Gift to this world, and everyone can learn something from the way He lived life. I especially relate to the aspect of perseverance. When I get on my success soapbox, you can almost always count on me mentioning perseverance. You’ve got to make a plan and stick to it!
Giving up is never an option.
Cheers & Good Luck!
~Will
WillCarissa recently posted..Create a Blog and ENGAGE!
Twitter: maddencorner
Thanks Will/Carissa I appreciate that. And without perseverance you have nothing.
A. Tatum recently posted..Year of the Dragon-Blogger
Twitter: stellaanokam
Hi Tatum:
I must say that I loved the points you laid down to teach some salient lessons for successful blogging and business, using the life of Jesus Christ.
“He took a small group of 12 Apostles and 70 disciples to spread His message to anyone who would listen” – after reading this I mulled on it and took away a big lesson that if one can emulate the networking skills of Jesus in blogging/ online business, we truly can use a small social media following to reach a really big audience with our blog posts and articles.
I’m now thinking again, if instead of always aggressively looking for new followers, can we look inside the ones we have to build a solid relationship that will lead to finding our own 12 apostles… That would mean a big leverage and big results.
Stella | Start List Building recently posted..Top 20: Creative Blog Content Ideas That Will Enchant Your Readers and Keep Them Returning For More
Twitter: pockets_blog
Hi Alvin
Great post! I like this idea, and am surprised I have never seen anyone make this comparison between Jesus’ public life and blogging. Very inspired, I must say. You definitely do have to “believe in your message” and keep spreading the word, no matter how much they laugh at you.
Cheers,
Jennifer
Jennifer recently posted..Charting a Course
Thanks for the post Alvin. I think your right, we can learn a lot from the Bible and they way that Jesus lived his life. Even in seemingly unrelated situations his action can be extrapolated to your daily practice.
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