Connection
Cell phones – a technological communication device; an object of constant connection and convenience creating contention and consternation
I can’t live with it and can’t live without it. It’s a crazy love-hate relationship! Like most of you, I feel as if I’ve lost a part of my body if I do not know where it is. Because when it vibrates, buzzes, dings, and rings, it’s spewing vital information (like the next sale) I think I can’t live without. I’ve been in mud huts where there is no water, plumbing, or electricity, but people emerge with a cell phone to their ear. At 82, my mother recently announced she was tired of being “the only one of her friends who did not have an iPhone! “
We long to be connected and to have the ability to share and participate in others’ lives. We were created to be in relationship with one another.
It is unimaginable to most of you, but over half of my life so far has been lived without a cell phone, computer, or other wireless device. They call those the “good old days.” When I left home for college, I called home once a week. It was usually on Sunday when long-distance rates were lowest, and talked for 15 minutes. Conversations stuck to the most important. I wrote letters where I expressed deeper or more personal thoughts, dreams, and struggles. I chose words carefully because they were considered a reflection of my heart and my education! Plans made were established. It was important to be where I said I would be, when I said I would be there. It taught me reliability, dependability, and responsibility.
Have these changes in the way we communicate affected the way we communicate with our Heavenly Father? E-devotions, podcasts, online Bible studies, e-groups, and cyber church are all growing and yes, casting a wider net. Life is busy and these are good ways to grow, conveniently. But what happens to community and connection and that longing to be in intimate personal relationship with people and with Jesus?
How can a screen and a speaker take the place of the personal power of touch and care, and the ministry of listening to each other share?
When was the last time you sat across from someone and listened with your ears, your eyes, and your heart?
“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” Luke 10:39 (NIV)
When was the last time you wrote down your thoughts and dreams and ideas and then placed them before the Lord in prayer?
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.” Daniel 7:1 (NIV)
When was the last time you worshipped corporately and participated as a part of the body of Christ?
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Yes, it is the 21st century, and I’m grateful for the instant communication. But nothing takes the place of building genuine relationships. They take time, attention, and care. Listen to these words from Psalm 139:1-6, and see what we can learn about personal relationships.
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:1-5 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Thank you for creating us to be in personal relationship with you and with others. Forgive me for substituting immediate connection for intimate communication with You and the people you have put in my life. Grow my desire to make time, show attention, and give care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
