One of my goals for this year is to become more consistent with my blogging and to grow my blog. With that in mind, I was doing some keyword research using the Google AdWords Keyword Planner, which is a thing I never knew existed until just a few days ago. I’m learning….slowly.
Anyway, I was typing in keywords like “faith” or “Christianity” just to see what people were searching for when I got hit over the head with a big ol’ bat of conviction.
Y’all, one word topped every list of search results.
Jesus.
The keyword planner tool tells you how many times a keyword is searched in a month, and the word “Jesus” is searched for between 1 and 10 MILLION times a month.
Think about that.
Then think about this:
The “competition” for articles that relate to that keyword is “low.”
There are plenty of articles about Bible study, spiritual growth, encouragement, etc.
But the number one thing that is being searched for is Jesus.
And, we’re not writing about him.
It reminds me of how I heard someone once say that American Christians wouldn’t go to the nations so God brought the nations to us. I know that’s true because today even my small town is filled with people from other parts of the world. Twenty years ago there were very few people of other cultures living here.
The same is true about our online communities. The internet is huge. It’s powerful.
But God is sovereign.
Just like he offers us opportunities to witness to the lost among us here in the real world; God has given us a way to speak the truth of who Christ is to people who are literally searching for him.
And we don’t even have to leave our homes to do it.
So why don’t we?
For me, it’s easier to write about recipes. I don’t have to think about them too much, you know? I make breakfast anyway so why not take a photo and write a post.
Kids are easy, too. Usually I’m so full of emotions the words just pour out, filling the screen with honesty I hope will encourage other moms like me.
And, that’s what we do most often, isn’t it? After all, writing to encourage Christians is a bit less intimidating than writing to persuade unbelievers. It’s the same reason we serve “in” our churches rather than “from” our churches. We are comfortable just where we are, with people who think like we do and share our beliefs. Writing for those who are seeking might encourage them to question us or argue or belittle or berate.
Now, I’m not knocking the building up of Christ’s body. It’s Biblical, and it’s vital. But, it isn’t everything.
The words I write here have the chance to speak truth to someone who doesn’t know it. Who knows where that person might be? Down the road or around the world.
How can we pass that opportunity up?
If the world is searching for Jesus, we have to tell them who he is.
We have to let them know that he is:
- the Son of God
- the Risen Savior
- the Healer
- the King
- Alive
- Returning.
Will you join me? I am convicted that I need to write more about Christ. After all, “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.” (2 Corinthians 5:11) What about you? I’d love to hear what you would tell the world about him. Either leave a comment or send me an email. If you have questions about Jesus, I’d love to hear those, too.
Now, some of you are probably like my husband who, when I discussed this post idea with him, “So, you’re convicted that no one is writing about Jesus so you’re going to write a post about writing about him?” I get the irony, but don’t worry…I just had to start somewhere.
Wow! Honestly wouldn’t have guessed that Jesus was such a frequent online search! How right you are ~ the world needs Jesus, both our online world as well as the people God brings across our path each day.
I know! I was floored by the thought of that many people searching just his name, but I don’t know why it should surprise me. I am just thankful he opened my eyes to that fact.
What a great reminder, Charlie! I agree, I love building up my Christian community and… Because those times when I get a comment from someone who is questioning or seeking, from someone half-way around the world living in a completely anti-Christian culture . . . I’m humbled at how God can use even my simple words. Lifting Jesus higher – the world is crying out! Thanks for this!!
Thank you! It’s amazing to think what God can do with our little efforts because he is so very big. I’m so glad you visited today!
Amen, Charlie! Thanks for sharing this wisdom with #ThoughtProvokingThursday today. I look forward to getting to know more about you through your blog in the days ahead.
Same to you! I look forward to participating in #ThoughtProvokingThursday again!
I do blog about Jesus. Perhaps I should be even more forthcoming about it.
Blessings and thanks,
Laura
I blog about Him, too, but I realize I need to be more intentional about it, I think. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!
Amen Charlie. This is so true. I have just entered into the Christian blog niche this year and I have been looking around and realized there are a lot of posts but not many of them are talking about Him. I guess I didn’t realize it but, you have hit the nail on the head. I am blogging him. I am loving this topic. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing this post over at the Grace & Truth Link Up Party! Great inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you for hosting the link up. I look forward to participating again!
I am still new at blogging, but I certainly want everything I do to glorify Jesus. Thanks for the post. I am beginning to think about ways to continually keep Jesus as the forefront as I write and praying He will use me to speak to others.
Thanks, Marsha! You always keep Christ at the center of everything you do. Thank you for the encouragement you offer, and I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hi Charlie, I had to start from here to settle in the recent article on names of JESUS.
I’m happy blogging about Him. I look forward to picking up my pen and writing. ..it may not be perfect but it is all for His glory.
Blessings to you
Haha, gotta love the husbands and their honest perspectives to keep us in check. I appreciate the challenge you are giving. I think we need a balance of both. I personally feel a distinct call to the church to remind her of her beauty and how God sees her, but the bride of Christ encompasses those who know they are and those who don’t. So I am determined and committed to talk about Jesus to anyone who will listen. No matter where I am or what I am doing, Jesus is always at the forefront of my mind and conversations. Having that kind of missional life focus has brought some fun opportunities to see God love on people inside church and out. Following Him is such a blast.
Yep! My husband definitely keeps me in check sometimes! We definitely need a balance of both. Following him is such an adventure, especially when you’re looking at the world to see what he’s doing in it!