“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15:5
The other night Ken and I had a few coworkers to our house for dinner. Long after dessert, we were still gathered around the table having a great time. Lorraine sat back and said, “Isn’t this wonderful? Isn’t this better than emailing each other? Don’t you despise the way computers have disrupted this kind of fellowship?” Her comment kick-started a conversation about technology and the way it has ambushed everyday relationships. We electronically communicate with people who sit less than 30 feet away.
Speaking of technology, my friend sitting next to me asked my opinion on video conferencing. At the other end of the table, Judy pulled out her new cell phone to show its photograph feature to Doug who, at that point, asked her how he could send photos off of his phone. Others were giving each other advice about getting rid of junk mail and, before we knew it, we had become fractured into tiny little groups advising each other on how we could live happier and more meaningfully if we used our cell phones to do this… emails to do that… video this… and voice-mail that. Finally Lorraine announced, “People, would you look at us?! Here we go again, allowing ourselves to be splintered apart by technology!” We laughed, but she was right.
If ever there were a culture in which relationships need to be strengthened — especially between Christians — it is our culture. Today’s reading gives great advice for any believer who uses an iPhone, Facebook, or Smart phone. Inspire a spirit of unity among your friends today and write a personal note (or Valentine card?). Bless your coworkers with a little encouragement — not by clicking the send button, but by getting up from your desk and going over to the other cubicle. I think it’s what Jesus would do.
Lord God, thank You for the relationships with people You’ve placed in my life. May I never take any friendship or working relationship for granted. Bless my friends this day.
