In a world where self-promotion is celebrated and platforms are eagerly sought after, there is a stark difference between those who rush to build a following and those who, like myself, approach publishing with hesitation. It can feel more like an act of vulnerability than an opportunity for influence. The pressure to have a presence, to be noticed, to post regularly, and to attract followers seems to be at the heart of many modern pursuits. For some, this drive seems natural—an instinct to build, to grow, and to lead. But for others, the idea of publishing, of writing for public consumption, feels like standing at the cross, stripped bare, exposed before the world.
Much like Christ on His way to the cross, sharing the gospel publicly can feel like we are risking rejection and humiliation. There is a deep reluctance to put oneself in such a vulnerable position, where every word can be scrutinized, misunderstood, where grammar is examined, theology is difficult, wording is hard, where scoffers and trolls circle like vultures looking for opportunity to devour fresh flesh. The Gospel remains the “fragrance of life” to those who are being saved, but also the “aroma of death” to those who are perishing (2Cor. 2:15-16). We know, as Christ knew, that our message will not always be well received and it may not always be as said as we want it to be. This makes publishing, whether through blogs, books, or simple social media posts, feel less like a platform and more like a crucifixion of our comfort and pride. We are called to bear our crosses and follow Him (Lk 9:23), not to seek worldly acclaim or the approval of men. “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” as G.K. Chesterton once said. There is nothing more worth doing the sharing the Gospel by every means God has made available to us individually.
However, we are also reminded that we are the light of the world. “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matt. 5:15). If we are reluctant to share the truth of God’s Word, if we hesitate to shine in the darkness, are we not failing to obey this command? The tension between reluctance and obedience is real, and for many, the act of publishing feels less like self-promotion and more like laying bare one’s soul, exposing one’s weaknesses and risking the vulnerability that comes with being transparent and open about ones life, struggles and the truth of the gospel.
God entrusts us with His Word and calls us to be faithful stewards of this precious gift we have been entrusted with by grace. When He gives us gifts and opportunities to proclaim His truth, He also holds us accountable for how we use them. In the parable of the talents, the servant who hid his master’s money in the ground rather than investing it wisely was called “wicked and slothful” (Mat. 25:26). In the same way, those who hesitate to share what they have been given, whether out of fear of criticism, reluctance to seek attention, or anxiety, are not free from the responsibility to invest and proclaim. We may feel like reluctant messengers, but God does not excuse us from the duty of sharing His gospel, no matter how small or large the platform. Instead we are to take courage.
It is not wrong to feel hesitation, nor is it wrong to question the motives of publishing. However, as Christians, our goal is not to build our own platforms but to magnify Christ. When we blog, post, or write, we do not do so to draw attention to ourselves but to shine the light of Christ. To hold that light high as opportunity allows is not self-promotion; it is obedience to our calling to make disciples, to share the good news, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
The act of publishing is not simply a matter of standing on a platform but rather standing at the foot of the cross, bearing witness to what He has done and calling others to see and know Him. Pointing to Christ. There is no room for pride, no room for self-centered ambition in this task. We write, we speak, we publish because we are compelled by the love of Christ to do so (2 Cor. 5:14). We take up our crosses in this digital age and follow Him, knowing that whether we are received or rejected, we do so in obedience to the One who first bore our shame.
To every reluctant blogger, may we remember: the call is not to build our own name but to lift high the name of Jesus. The world may see our vulnerability, but we know that we serve the One who clothes us with His righteousness and strengthens us in our weakness. Let us not put our light under a bushel but trust that as we obey, He will use even the smallest flicker to shine brightly for His glory.
