What Happens When We Connect or Disconnect

We are more connected through technology than ever before, yet we feel more disconnected than ever.

Technology is a wonderful, but it can be consuming and detrimental to your relationships. Here’s three ways technology has redefined relationships:

1) The term “friend” has evolved

2) We’re addicted to immediate affirmation.

3) We have the power to do friendship on our own terms.

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Why do we crave meaningful connection?
The answer = Because we were created for connection.

Here is some of what God teaches us in the Bible about this:

• Genesis 1-2 = God made us in His image, and said it is not good for us to be alone.

• Jesus had 12 disciples and a closer group of 3.

• In John 13:34-35, Jesus said this “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus gave us an example of what it looks like to live in community. He wants you to live out how you were created - to be connected with others.

So how do we do that? How do we meaningfully connect in a technology-dependent covid-world?

1) Be Present

In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said this, “Wherever two or three gather together in My name, there I am in the midst of them.”

2) Be Engaged

Don’t just be physically present, but be emotionally engaged while you’re present.

1 Peter 4:8, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for one another”

The attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds. In 2018, a study found that the average attention span of people is only 8 seconds!

3) Be Real

Romans 12:9 – “Love must be sincere.”