In this day and age, of hustle and bustle, face-to-face communication is becoming a lost art, and invaluable commodity to the nurturing of our relationships. I am by no means advocating for the banning of the use of texting, facebook, email, nor twitter, as they are viable means to not only communicate and interact, but also to share the GOSPEL of CHRIST. Technology is not the issue, how we are using/abusing it, and thus neglecting our relationships and each other, is. I am arguing that they should be the last resort, not the first or only one.
I believe JESUS would not have preferred texting, email, facebook, or twitter, to face-to-face communication. They are in most instances to short/brief and too impersonal because they are very contrary to how HE, our Lord and Savior did things. HE walked, talked, and taught in the midst of the people. HE went to where they were, and or they came to HIM. HE did not resort to sending a message, via someone else or another means. I am sure if HE were walking the earth today HE would utilize any and all means to share HIS GOSPEL, but face-to face would, I argue be HIS favorite and most used.
Furthermore, HE was the message, and thus delivered the message, HIMSELF, to the people. Not only showing HE was willing to sacrifice HIS time and efforts, but also showing HE truly loved those HE spoke with and us. As that same message would be passed down to us, and as well HE does come to us even today, if we seek HIM. (Read, “The bench in the woods.”) For there is no greater way to show someone you love them and that they mean something to you, than to spend time with them. If distance separates you, yeah call them, or better yet, shoot a quick text, “Thinking of you, call you later,” and actually call them. Furthermore, in this day and era of technology, we have Skype, Logitech, and other visual computer related programs and computers with cameras thus allowing video chatting, etc. Distance is no longer an excuse, for not spending time, in conversation with anyone, especially those you love.
Maybe, I just suffer with a, “texting communication disorder,” and thus have a dislike for it. The messages are at times ambiguous, confusing, and I truly do not understand all the abbreviations and jargon. Nor do I want to take a class to become educated on it. I would rather utilize the Jesus method and talk with you. Demonstrating, not just saying, I love you.
I am likewise unable without the face-to-face or verbal interaction, to read your facial expressions and body language, or sense/hear the emotion in and from your voice. As well, I love the faces of those that I love, and love to hear their voices. Thus, your visiting with me in the flesh and or if distance dictates, we are only able to video chat or speak via phone, shows me our relationship means just as much to you as it does to me, as again, we took time out of our day to spend it together.
I mean there was a time that eating, breaking bread with one another was how every family, ate dinner. I know I am not the only one who remembers those days! So if nothing every family spent time together at sometime during the day. All where listened to, concerns that arose during the day where addressed, and all were shown; you matter, we love you.
Not so today, for today, we resort to a 2-minute call or an impersonal jargon filled abbreviated text message. Which for me, tells me, you don’t even care enough about me, to take the time to spell out the words, you, are trying to convey to me. Call me old fashion, old school, or a fool, but if it worked for JESUS, and it clearly did show HIS love for us all, I am convinced, it has to work for me and for us.
How often do we take the time to nurture our relationships? How often do we just visit and spend time in each other’s presence, just talking and growing, together--rather than, resorting to a 2-minute call or a most often short and or impersonal text message? I would prefer a conversation as I am, very verbal, or even a letter as I am also a writer. These also require time and effort, which again shows love and concern through the words and actions.
If you love or like them, or even just think you do, let them know. Remember, none of us are promised tomorrow, and thus texting should be used as a last resort when all other options are not feasible or possible. Furthermore, GOD'S way, the example JESUS set for us, is always the best way. HE desires to communicate with us through prayer directly and HIS word the bible, and for us to communicate in and through the most personal manner possible, with each other, i.e., face-to-face.
