In this day of instant communication, it’s pretty easy to
accept or ignore a call from someone. Social media has created the tools of
instant connection, and connection avoidance all wrapped up in a neat little
bundle. We crack open our Facebook page at the crack of dawn, just hoping someone
out there on our friend’s list will be chomping at the bit to chat. A private
message or a friend can be ignored or deleted without them knowing which allows
us to build a wall around us, and for what? We can watch the promises of
political candidates, or scroll by if we don’t like what they’re offering, then
be mad at them when we cast a ballot being uninformed. We can send a birthday
wish to people we don’t know, hoping our list will get longer, and yes, place
the never ending selfie with bathroom fixtures in the background.
My point here is we are losing our ability to connect with
each other intimately, face to face. Time spent just having a coffee and
conversation is being eroded and replaced with tired eyes and sore necks from
staring at screens. I am as guilty as anyone at times when it comes to this as
the internet is as powerful a drug as any script for the flu.
Now here’s where Jesus comes in. He needs no internet to
call because He’s right now sitting next to you. He sees and knows what you
post, and what you think. He’s sitting with your elderly parent who is alone,
and if you are the elderly parent, you’re not alone. Each week I write about
His being ever present with us and each week He gives something new and
different. He whispers His encouragement in our situations, and is the very
first to sing our praises to God when we please Him. He needs no page to spread
His gospel, just ordinary people like us. He has no ego to be constantly asking
for admiration from strangers, yet He offers himself completely when we call.
He answers every message, in His own way and will never ignore a request or
prayer. He has no selfies, because, well, He doesn’t need them anyway. We’ll
find out what He looks like when we meet Him.
You see friends we may crave the attention and adoration of
the world, because that is what is fed to us. Jesus craves only our love and
affection, because He offers us a banquet beyond all understanding. The
communication systems we use are not all bad, but can be if it’s the addiction
we’re on. Try and curb the appetite for self-promotion, and answer Jesus’
calling. After all, He’s just sent you a private message, don’t ignore it.
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com
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