Connectivity

   What do you think of when someone asks you, “are you connected?”

     My mind drifts to some network setting on my computer. Where does your mind go?  I saw a tweet the other day which caught my eye. Did you know that more people on planet earth have access to a cell phone than have access to a clean toilet? I am definitely one of those people who feels like their arm has been cut off if they can’t find their cell phone or accidently take it swimming—as I have 3 times. Somehow, it connects me — unless of course, if I really need to make a call—then, well…

     That’s just one aspect of technology that can be very connecting. The same article claimed that if Twitter and Facebook were countries, they would rank 3rd and 6th in population world wide. Eighty-seven percent of all teens text, sending an average of 3339 texts per month. The whole thing is a amazing to me.

     It’s also amazing to me that I keep meeting people who are very connected with technology who are so lonely. Ever been in on a Skype or a phone conference? It’s the means for communication in a global economy… and it really looks good on paper—but it has limitations which present themselves rather quickly.

     God made us to need to connect to other humans. An electronic device is limited. A social network profile can say anything about someone—irrespective of the truth. Jesus didn’t update his profile or send a text from heaven. He came here to touch us, to feel what we feel, to be us—and to save us. God’s touch is irreplaceable.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Phil 2:1-5)