facebook christians

facebook has really become a phenomenon... i originally opened up an account because i didn't want to be left behind. i tried xanga (there's a blast from the past) and myspace (which due to security issues "myspace" eventually became "everyone else's space"). although these were decent tools to connect with others they just didn't seem to meet the larger need that people seemed to share. at the core facebook isn't successful because of its look or accessability. facebook is successful because it brings people together. it satisfies our shared need of communuity.

i tend to be a fairly well connected person. as a pastor it would be a shame for me to not interact with people. my need for community is satisifed with my small groups, my co-ministers, and the people who make up our church. i think if you were to follow me around for a week you would say i know alot of people and that my need for community isn't an issue. for the most part you would be correct. here's the weird thing: i added the facebook app to my blackberry and periodically throughout the day i log-on just to read status updates!! how lame is that!?!? i take time out of my day to read one liners about what other people are doing at that moment. what is wrong with me?

nothing. as i think through it i don't think there is anything wrong with me or anyone else who longs to connect with other people. why? because we were created for community. God himself exists in perfect harmony/community with himself: father, son and spirit. it is ok to want to engage our lives with the lives of others. we were designed for community.

so what should we do? here are a few ideas:

• try reconnecting with someone from your past. you might use facebook or you might pick up the phone and give them a call. just do the hard work of reconnecting.
• call your parents or grandparents for no reason...blow their minds!
• go visit that single parent that doesn't get a lot of "adult ineraction" time and just talk
• have some friends over to play cards or grill some food
• the next time someone shares a struggle or burden with you pray for them right then and there...even if it is over the phone or through an e-mail. it communicates you care and that you are connecting with their need.

as i type this blog i feel like i am all over the place in my thinking. let's narrow it down to the following: people were created to exist in community/relationships. you, your friends, your family, your enemies...are all people thus all created for community. i guess i'm just asking believer's to do more than read the latest "status updates" on facebook and take the time to encourage someone...and really develop some Christ centered community.