True Relationship

" A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -Prov 18:24 (NASB)

I just finished reading an article on Yahoo! that basically stated the more time people spend on Facebook, the less happy they are with their lives. Now, I'm sure everyone reading this blog is completely blown away and shocked by this breaking news- not! The article states, "Those who have used Facebook longer agreed more that others were happier, and agreed less that life is fair, and those spending more time on Facebook each week agreed more that others were happier and had better lives." One of the main reasons, according to the research, is due to the fact that on sites such as Facebook one can post thousands of happy and fun pictures. This may give off the impression that your life totally rocks, and may cause others to feel inadequate compared to your life. In other words, you don't have to be yourself online. In fact, you can be whoever you want to be! This is where technology can fail us, and can even be dangerous. We lose that valuable human intuition that we were created with through avenues like social networking sites, texting, and so on. It's not personal, and there definitely is no transparency.

I once worked with a man who was a former mason. He would tell me stories of how they would build these huge, towering brick chimneys for condos and homes. If the boss didn't like the work, or if the chimney was tilting- they would tie a chain around the base and rip the whole thing down to the foundation! Then they would start over. When we come to the Cross, God does the same with us. Obviously we can't hide anything from Him, but He wants us to expose ourselves to Him completely as well. God desires that true one on one intamacy with us through Jesus. Unless we are willing to finally surrender and let Him take the reigns, He can only do minimal work with our lives. WE must be ready and willing to allow Him to do so. So, forget about how many "friends" you have on Facebook and don't worry about what everyone else seems to be doing with their lives. Rather, spend more personal time with God and with other believers! We were created for worship, but God also gave us the need for other human relationships. According to Webster's dictionary, the word "virtual" means "being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted." It's not real. I believe that is one reason so many people are scared to become a Christian, they know there will be a refining process and require vulnerability. We need to encourage them that God will walk with each one of us through these times, and let them know just how truly amazing this walk can be once we give our Lord the control. Listen to the apostle Peter's words in his first epistle: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen." -1Peter 5:6-11 (NASB)

So keep those relationships open. If you aren't already, get involved in a small group. Find an accountability partner and/or mentor; go have a cup of coffee with someone you haven't connected with lately and find out what's going on in their life. Sit down with your kids and hang out with them for a while! Play games, talk, or go to a movie with them. Most importantly, connect with God in one form or another today, and be sure to make that a daily priority. Once you've established that perfect and eternal relationship with our Father, other relationships and friendships will grow and flourish as well. Be blessed.