It is no secret that people are looking down more than ever. It is interesting that while looking down at say, their phones, they have access to every piece of the world via the internet. But while looking down at a virtual world, we forfeit the privilege of seeing the world in person. Face to sky. Face to sun. Face to mountain. Face to ocean. Face to crowd. Face to face.
Quick poll/personal inventory: How many times did you intentionally look uptoday? How many of you have felt lonelier/discouraged/less connected to others the more you are trying to connect on social media?
It’s ok… take a few minutes to do some personal reflection. I’ll wait. This could be big for us–it’s totally worth the lack of comfort.
About a year ago, I realized that the more time I spent online (specifically on social media venues), had a direct correlation with how tired and groggy I felt throughout the day. It wasn’t like I was just wasting time online (lets be real–I have toddlers at home so I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to!) although I absolutely have been sucked into the blackhole of Instagram on more than a few occasions! However, the reality is my work is largely based online and social media is a huge piece of that. But I was realizing that investing so much energy in that online space left me with significantly less energy to ACTIVELY engage in the actual world around me the way God had created me to.
Now before I go on I want to say how incredibly thankful I am for the progress of technology and advancement. You guys- God is the most creative being EVER. He is the source of creativity and inspiration, and uses absolutely everything for His good. I have seen this abundantly with sharing the Gospel online. Bible studies, testimonies, news on other believers around the world and how to PRAY for them and ways to serve and give–that was absolutely not a mistake or an accident or coincidence. God intentionally put that burden in the hearts of men and women He created, to do that very thing so the name of Jesus could literally be more accessible to the ends of the earth.
That being said, I can no longer neglect the tension we are currently experiencing where online or even text-based acquaintances/friendships are often replacingintentional community Jesus was so passionate about. I recently found myself reading the short letters from John in 1, 2, and 3 John. As a writer, I often am captivated by words. I write them to my kids on their birthdays, I write them to Jesus in my prayer journal, and I write things that God lays on my heart to share online. As a millennial follower of Jesus, these words I am about to share with you from John challenged me so deeply and stirred my spirit in such a way that I can’t say that I’ll ever be the same. And friends, while growth is painful and awkward, there is not one moment that is not worth it. So I am praying you find yourself drawn in by His loving kindness and nudged to a new, life changing perspective as well.
At the end of 2 John in verse 12, as a closing to his letter, John writes these words:
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”
Likewise, at the end of 3 John in verses 13-15 we read a similar sentiment:
“I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.”
You can almost hear the urgency in his voice. His longing to be with his people, in their presence. Face to face. It’s like he knows that there is just too much that he might miss out on by not doing life in person. Together.
