by Bruce Reeves
Synopsis: In an age of easy communication and constant connectivity, one must ask, "Whatever happened to real relationships?"
The Genesis account vividly describes God's divine purpose in the creation of humanity: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…' God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Gen. 1:26-27). Among the attributes that we share with our Creator is relationality. The Godhead reveals that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have enjoyed divine fellowship eternally (John 1:1-3; 17:24; Heb. 1:1-3). Humanity has been created to glorify God, not only in sharing a relationship with our heavenly Father (Eccl. 12:13-14; Matt. 6:9-13; Eph. 3:15) but also through our fellowship with one another (John 13:34-35; 1 John 1:1-4). These truths are as vital and significant today as they have ever been!
We live in the "Internet Generation," or "I-Gen," as some express it. Thanks to modern technology, there are many benefits and even opportunities to connect with friends and share the gospel of Christ. Few people today operate "off the grid." Yet, for all the blessings that instant communication has brought to us, there are plenty of pitfalls of which we must be cautious.
I have been blessed to preach for the Highway 65 church of Christ in Conway, Arkansas for twenty years. We have had the privilege of working with many very zealous and convicted young Christians who serve as an integral part of our fellowship. However, just the other day, we had a new college student who began to attend with us. When asked about his plans to attend all of the worship services, he told one of our elders that he would just watch online from his dorm room during the other times of services. The elder responded, "You mean you do not want to be with us on Sunday and Wednesday evenings?" The young man replied, "Come on! It's the twenty-first century."
This is disturbing on several levels, especially as we consider the true nature of relationships, connections, sharing, and fellowship. Reflect upon the function and blessings of being a part of a local congregation that is committed to Christ. First, we are thankful for godly shepherds who "keep watch" over our souls and care for the believers who are among them (Heb. 13:17). These men strive to set a faithful example for those whom they oversee (1 Pet. 5:1-4). How is this possible if we remove ourselves from actual relationships with our spiritual shepherds? Paul writes, "But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another" (1 Thess. 5:12-13).
Consider also the relationship we are to share with our fellow-believers on a regular basis. Early Christians relied on each other for encouragement and edification in a very personal and uplifting way (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32). Our worship is optimally experienced when we are personally present with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, jointly offering adoration to God (1 Cor. 14:23-26). The worship assembly is not merely a spectator sport, but joins us with one another and leads to spiritual interaction with our God as we meet Him at His word (1 Thess. 2:13). Moreover, we partake of the Lord's Supper each first day of the week in the assembly of the saints (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). There is power in God's people praying together (Acts 12:5; 1 Tim. 2:1-3). The Scriptures refer to believers "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody" with our hearts to the Lord (Eph. 5:19).
All these concepts speak of reciprocal action. We are to hold one another accountable in real relationships to encourage true spiritual growth. My mother passed away a couple of years ago with a rare terminal disease. One of the difficult aspects of her illness was that she could not assemble with the saints. She enjoyed hearing sermons and the singing through our website, but had you asked her whether she preferred being with her brethren in the assembly or watching online—the answer would have been obvious.
I am not saying that we cannot communicate God's word via internet capabilities, but I am saying that "virtual fellowship" must never supplant being with one another, both in praising God and in the proclamation of His word. There is disconnectedness that comes to those who exchange real relationships for "virtual church."
As "connected" as we seem to be through social media, many people complain of loneliness and the isolation of depression. We see it in the family that cannot put phones down long enough to be able to have a prayer and an actual conversation over dinner. Although it may seem humorous that everyone is texting each other in the living room rather than talking to one another, we all know there are real consequences in our relationships due to a lack of communication. Neither can we supplant the need for our personal participation and involvement in a local fellowship merely because we have internet access.
When people declare on social media that they are taking a fast from social media, one has to scratch his head a bit. Nonetheless, social media of all kinds can be used for good or evil. Marriages have been rocked and shattered because someone made a connection with an old flame and decided they wanted a "re-do." Envy and strife have found fertile ground for the world to read online. Anger has been tolerated and encouraged by the label of "venting" to everyone.
Nevertheless, believers can be encouraged in moments of need (Eph. 4:29), and the beauty of God's creation can be put on display (Ps. 19:1-6). Books that encourage faith can be shared, and the word of God can be quoted (Ps. 1). Families can reconnect, and brethren in Christ can re-establish their relationships. The key is to never confuse social media for the ultimate end of life or a determination of what is real and true. Let us resist all forms of temptation that come through the internet and take advantage of every opportunity to glorify God. Thank God for real relationships!
Author Bio: Bruce has labored with the Highway 65 church of Christ in Conway, AR for twenty years. He and his wife, Rachel, have one child. The church website is hwy65churchofchrist.org. He can be reached at brochuck1@aol.com.
