What A Difference A Pandemic Makes

We are 22 weeks into the craziness that is our current situation. Frankly I'm not interested in discussing the way everything has been handled or the validity of restrictions or the veracity of the virus. I have opinions about all of it, like everyone else. Some of my opinions are informed by helpful research and some are knee-jerk, fluid and filled with frustration. It is helpful to discuss them with trusted friends who are willing to listen and dialog. It is not helpful to word vomit my frustrations and limited wisdom so others may join me in aimless speculation fueled mostly by items found on social media. I have fought that urge many times over the last 4 months and I hope to maintain a sense of decorum and civility.

I am posting at this point to share something that might be helpful. Below is the very first Facebook Live video that I did on Sunday, March 15 2020. - week #1 of the "shut down." It was the first Sunday that our congregation was not meeting in our building. I was completely caught off guard and had never even attempted a Live video. None of us had any idea what was coming. It was early Spring, the weather was still cool and I think most of us believed the quarantine would only last a few weeks at most. As of today, we are nearly 150 days into this situation and the changes keep coming.

However, there is a constancy for those who have a connection with the immutable God of the universe. The Psalmist reminds us, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." His abiding presence, power and love, as well as the prayers and fellowship of others, has sustained me during the pandemic. While there is still uncertainty, turmoil and loss, Jesus gives me peace. That peace is the topic of the devotional below. It was interesting for me to watch it again, knowing what I know now. Perhaps it will be a blessing to you.

[ Please excuse the poor video quality, I was learning. 😁]

 

Relationships, the Illusion of Connection and Christmas

God has made us for relationship. Humans thrive in good and healthy relationships.  The problem is, because we are all broken, these relationships are often messy - not so good, not so healthy. Therefore, relationships are work.  But its worth the work to cultivate authentic connections with others. This has always been true.

However, with modern technology comes modern challenges.  I spend more time "connecting" through electronic devices than via personal, face to face contact with others.  I send text messages, instead of speaking voice to voice over the telephone. I write emails with a computer, rather than personal letters that have my unique scribbles that those close to me recognize.  I have hundreds of friends that I observe and "connect" with over social media instead of over a cup of coffee.  All of this fosters isolation rather than connection. Have you experienced this illusion of connection that modern technology has created and we have fully embraced?

All of this electronic communication has given us the illusion of connection, when actually it has dulled and stifled genuine relationships.  Even as I am reading the posts of others, commenting on photos and "likeing" articles, I often come away with a growing emptiness.  Since all of these devices save us so much time we should have plenty of opportunity for a cup of coffee, a phone call or dinner around that table with our family.  It takes intentional effort to unplug the electronics and move toward others. I suspect those others in your life are longing for connection with you too.

What's more, when I spend time utilizing electronic devices I am drawn away from the deepest and most meaningful connection of all - the one with God.  (Its even possible for me to read the Word of God on an electronic device. I suppose that's better than not reading it at all.) Somehow all of this media, technology and progress has created an environment buzzing with activity. So much noise!  I think it would be wise for the people of God, the followers of Christ, to set aside the electronics and simply "be still!"  At least I think that would be wise for me. It is in the strengthening of this ultimate relationship with my Heavenly Father that I am enabled to better connect with those around me.

God could have communicated and connected with mankind through a multitude of ways. But He came to us in person.  Jesus came so that we can have a relationship with Him.  God is not a distant, unconcerned force.  He is a personal, loving God - engaged with His creation.  This is the story of Christmas. So in a very real sense, Christmas is about connection.

[I realize the irony of this post given it is communication via a blog and that I'm using an electronic devise and so are you. Shut your device down and go have a real conversation.]

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Church Web Page

Our church has a slightly better than average web page. I know this because I have visited many. A dear friend of our ministry designed the page and it has been updated in recent months by some of our tech-savvy members. I am so thankful that they also contribute to our ministry by maintaining the information.

Our page is not nearly as flashy as some and a bit more informative than others. It provides all the necessary information if someone is seeking a church in the Louisville, KY area. Actually our church, which is Southern Baptist, is located in Prospect, KY just a few minutes outside of Louisville.

I am trying to understand the best way to use this high-tech tool that seemingly has so much potential. Is it reasonable to think that our congregation could use the Internet to reach the world? Don't get me wrong, I would not suggest that simply putting up a web page could replace our genuine obedience to the Great Commission. But, through the mechanism known as the "Information Super Highway," the gospel can be shared with untold numbers of people. That is one of the reasons we post our sermons online.

Church web pages are considered by many to be a must in today's culture. Certainly there are others who have not taken this step. Some of the naysayers are hesitant because they would never do anything that resembles "marketing" for fear of looking too much like the world. To me this seems a little short-sighted.

What do you think, are web pages a necessity for the modern-day church? Are churches that refuse to get on board with technology destined to die a slow death? Could God use this medium for His glory and the spread of the Gospel? I am interested to hear your thoughts and comments.

Back from the Dark Ages

I have been without my lap top for about ten days. It is back now but still acting a little odd. Soon I must install a new hard drive. I have 'people' who do these things for me as I am a simple man with very little knowledge of such technology. It has been a frustrating ten days. I will blog more later.