With the coming of the internet age, it's not six degrees of separation any more. It's four clicks to Facebook. At first, the internet was limited to computers, but people soon found they wanted to stay up to date with their friends wherever they went. Here, where I live, nearly everyone under the age of 45 has a smart phone, making it possible to have the world in your pocket.
Sometimes, I wonder though, how in a world of global connectivity, can we share our faith and reflect Jesus? I've always been of the mindset that you can't show someone what God has done in your life unless you show them who you are first. It's always been a struggling point for me, like when I would go to a new church or encounter a sidewalk preacher; I had trouble accepting their message--even if I knew it to be biblically sound--if I didn't see their personality and some of who they were at the same time.
For me, it certainly doesn't seem possible to have the same impact on people's lives through an instant message or Facebook wall that you would have in person. I know some people can do it, but it doesn't feel like what I'm good at. The fact I have a follower I've never personally met continues to amaze me.
Even though I don't feel like a great christian light in this world of wires, I try. Whether it's keeping this blog alive, or doing a bible study through texting, or reaching out when I can to pray for believers and nonbelievers alike, I do my best. Naturally, I prefer interacting in person, but that's not always going to be possible for everyone we've ever met.
You know, even though the only way early Christians could bridge the gap was a donkey moseying to the next town, they managed to keep in touch.
Look at Paul, Christianity's very own go-to guy. Because of him, more than half the New Testament shows us how we can love others without seeing them in person. Paul loved the churches so much, he wrote them frequently to encourage and instruct them.
One trick you can use to reach out to your friends and acquaintances whom you wouldn't normally see, is through prayer. Epaphras certainly had the right idea.
Of course, the surplus of technology and ways to communicate should only help you when you're comforting others. We've all had one of those moments when we see a friend is hurting just from the way they wrote that text message. It sounds impossible, and we can't explain it, but somehow, it happens every now and then. If we're able to discern or suspect something might be awry with our closest friends, because maybe their smiley faces are more frowney and tearful, we should offer whatever comforts we can. Don't be limited by 160 characters--that's what elipses are for.
Remember how Jesus said if two people agree upon anything they ask for, it will be done by God the Father? This rule still applies even if said people aren't in the same room. Therefore, we should continue to share our prayer needs with one another even when we're only able to talk in short email conversations.
Although it is possible to spread the good news through virtual mediums, we should make every effort to see one another.
Whatever you do, do it in love.
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