Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to listen to messages from all over the US and the world because of the wonderful invention of the podcast. I am utterly and completely addicted to three things: the Word of God, mp3 sermons and coffee. Without the first two, I could not live my life. Without the third, I get horrible headaches. I should stop #3 but I've chosen not to.
But I digress. My addiction to mp3's leads me to a conversation that I've been having with myself about plagiarism. I'm also an avid reader of blogs--of people I know, of people I've known, of people I hope to one day meet and with whom I'd like to exchange ideas. I spend a good portion of my day listening to ways to grow myself, the kingdom of God, my current church.
Over the past few days, I've been reading some thoughts that people are passing off as their own that I know have been written in books that I've read, in sermons/teachings that I've heard, on other blogs that I've read. This leads to the question that runs through my head. Where is the line between the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and stealing information almost verbatim from other sources? I have the distinct feeling that I've heard many things plagiarized in the past, but I didn't know because I was only receiving my information from one source. I subscribe to a podcast from a group called Creative Synergy. In their first podcast they address this issue as it relates to borrowing material from websites and from other churches' media. Stealing is stealing whether you take it from a non-believer who will never know the difference or from a church that will never hear your message or read you blog to know. I used to joke that I wish that God would give me some space because I can sense Him even when I am in the shower. Perhaps we should all come to that realization. God sees everything, is omnipresent. I wouldn't want to have to account for stealing others idea to make myself sound smart. I'd rather be dumb as a rock and quote people, giving them credit, than be dumb as a rock and get caught in the act of stealing. How would that affect my integrity?
This is a chronicle of the life of a zany woman who has found a part of what God has called her to do. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy the read. And...feel free to let me know that you've stopped by. I love making new friends!
i was MADE for this
- Deneen
- Servant. Leader. Friend. Daughter. I am learning who I am through the eyes of the One who created me in all of my uniqueness to be His. A journey has begun, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to do life with an amazing group of friends, a family who loves me and a church that is in the business of showing the love of Christ to a hope-starved generation.
Philadelphia
1 Timothy 4:11-14
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
1 comment:
Isn't it funny how when you leave the fish bowl you realize just how small and how big the world is. We aren't swimming around saying, "Hey look there's a castle!" anymore! What freedom there is in expanding your tent.
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