Columnists

I’ve started to skip over reading newspaper columns written by local columnists. Even the religion columns, written by people of faith and local pastors, have become self-focused rather that issue focused. The columnists have made themselves the central figure in all the anecdotes, examples, jokes and story illustrations. Critiquing these columns has given me a greater appreciation for the New Testament writers who kept the focus of their narrative on the ministry of Jesus. For instance, Luke inserts himself only in the introduction of his Gospel, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4 NIV).