A printable PDF can be found at the end of this article.
In our world of Facebook, Twitter, Skype, email, and all of its technological advancements, there are some things that only a human can give: a hug, a pat on the back, a touch of the hand, and the simple act of being engaged with one another face-to-face. Paul sets a good example when he wrote about the apostles accepting him and Barnabas as fellow missionaries in Galatians 2:9: … they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me …
In many ways, technology keeps us apart. Instead of picking up the phone and calling one another, it is just easier to send someone a text. Coffee time formerly spent with a friend is now becoming a volley of back-and-forth texts. Texting is a wonderful tool when a meeting is canceled or someone is late, but personal thoughts are received better face-to-face.
Decades ago, women met in churches as a social group. They wanted to get together to share their friendship in person. They also used this time for service by making quilts, sharing mission emphasis, and cooking dinners for the needy.
Loneliness is an issue facing many women today. Do you know women who work full-time outside the home, plus have children to feed, educate, and care for? How many of these women are single mothers trying to do it all alone? Are there older women in your neighborhood or community whose children and other family members live out-of-state? In a room full of people — at work or even in church — loneliness can still haunt people. Let’s get together and share our celebrations, as well as our cares!
You’ve heard the rallying cry: “less meeting and more meaning!” This is certainly true. But that does not mean we should forego gathering together. Whether you call it a meeting, an assembly, or a gathering, they are all opportunities to fellowship together in God’s Word. Perhaps invite women to a “no-stress” event with no minutes and no correspondence, simply studying God’s Word and sharing. (Yes, you can have a gathering and “just” study God’s Word!) To ensure even more fellowship, plan it as an appetizer or dessert night, sharing recipes to break the ice. Schedule a sing-along event; Psalm 149:1b says, Sing … his praise in the assembly of the godly! Talk to one another face-to-face, touch a heart with a simple touch of the hand. Take a night off once in a while from your day-to-day schedule and enjoy time with your sisters in Christ. Call and offer a ride to someone who may not want to come alone.
In this technologically-driven world, we forego hours of much-needed face-to-face interaction by staring at a screen for hours and hours each day, losing touch with each other, forgetting the necessity of fellowship. Paul encourages us: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25).
God blesses us with the gift of technology to use as a communication tool in today’s world, but let us strive to connect in person as well.
View printable PDF of this article, Connecting in Our Technological World
