Feeling Disconnected in the Age of Hyper Connectivity

Digital devices may be wireless, but their users are hard-wired. From phone to tablet to television, the hyper-linked are showing no sign of slowing down. 

The Millennials are the first generation to grow up so hyper-connected.  In a George Barna survey, they identified technology as that which distinguishes them most. But when asked what they feel is lacking in their lives, they identified “meaningful” relationships. It would seem that so-called hyper-connections are starting to fray around the edges—texters and tweeters are feeling under-connected in ways that matter to them!

Three thousand years ago, David discovered the ultimate connection: “face time.” “When you said, Seek my face; my heart said unto you, your face, LORD, will I seek… there is none on earth that I desire beside you” (Ps. 27:8; 73:25). Whatever generation we are, and whatever high-tech toys we enjoy, we must be careful not to get so distracted that we deprive ourselves of our most hyper connection.

Shutdown: Good or Bad?

We’re now into the second week of a stand-off between Republicans and Democrats that has shut down the Federal government. In and of itself, a “shutdown” can be a good thing. Everyone needs to power down occasionally. Even my computer does. A shutdown should equal “stillness”—all activity coming to a quiet halt.  But not this one. Everyone in D.C. is running around in a senseless angst.

But think about it. Is all this “disquiet” a metaphor? No one ever powers down anymore. Are media rich, always-on, multi-tasking persons capable of stillness? And if you could escape the cacophony, can “stillness” be found? Yes—but not in a place. In a Person. “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and you will find rest (shutting off activity) for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).

Of course it will help you to set a time and place: “Can two walk together unless they have an appointment?” (Amos 3:3) The Bible says in the early morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), Jesus shut off the world, and shut Himself in with God (Ps. 46:10). Likewise, let us shut down; power down; shut ourselves in with Him. Now that would be a good shutdown!

Does Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

One of the outcomes of increased technology is greater mobility. And more couples than ever are having long distance relationships, which begs the question, “does absence make the heart grow fonder?” Romantics may think so, but realists know the opposite is just as likely. Face-to-face time is the building block of any bond. 

Likewise, distance will strain our relationship with God. It can cause a loneliness that sends an ambivalent lover looking for someone more present. More than making the heart grow fonder, that long distance feeling can make the heart go wander.

People distance themselves from God for different reasons. The Jews distanced themselves from God when they thought He was unfair. David said un-confessed sin separated him from God.  According to Paul, long  distance feelings from God are a result of neglect (Eph. 4:18). The cure: increase your face-time.  

“When You said, Seek My face, my heart said to You, Your face, O Lord, I shall seek”(Ps 27:8)... So then, Let us rise early and go to the vineyards; Let us see whether the vine has budded and its blossoms have opened, and whether the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love (Song of Songs 7:12).

Internet Addiction Disorder

I recently de-activated my Facebook account after four years of marginal use and utmost irritation. I have to say I would categorize the majority of stuff posted on my wall as narcissistic! (If self-promotion is not one of the seven deadly sins, it should be!)

For the last few years, members of the American Psychiatric Association have argued whether to designate “Internet Addiction” a mental disorder. A new study suggests that social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter are more difficult to resist than cigarettes or alcohol.

The same study reveals that nearly forty percent of Facebook users admitted to online arrogance, defined as making themselves look good to others. Or, they admit posting something that would make others jealous. Yes, I understand that Facebook can keep us connected and is used in positive ways. But if  we're not mindful, it will lead us down the path of gossip, jealousy, obsession, and procrastination, keeping us from making the best use of our time (Eph 5:16).

Whatever happened to Silence?

I mentioned last week that Altha and I had visited a Greek Orthodox Monastery. The quiet and solitude was a stark contrast to 21st century noise-filled lifestyles. So accustomed to the non-stop sounds of TV, radio, iPods and cell phones, people find no place for silence.  Moreover, there is the the mental “noise” of social networking, emailing, texting and tweeting.

When was the last time you heard silence?—the sound of nothing, being alone with your thoughts. Part of the purpose of a daily “quiet time” is to quiet your mind of distractions and open your spirit to hear from the Lord. In the late 1950’s A.W. Tozer wrote: “God is having a difficult time getting through to us because we are a fast-paced generation. We seem to have no time for contemplation. We have no time to answer God when He calls.” I wonder what Tozer would think about today’s digitally distracted generation?

To be “well-connected” used to mean that someone was connected by blood or close acquaintance with people of wealth and influence. Now it means you have a lot of apps on your iPhone. I think “well-connected” is an accurate way to describe someone who hears from God every day. But our digital connections are making it more difficult than ever to be still, and know God (Ps. 46:11).

YouTube is a Terrible Place to Go to Church

As Millennial Christians find easy access to Bible commentary through websites, blogs and apps, you have to wonder what will happen to good ‘old fashioned’ Bible reading, study, and reflection and meditation.

When I was in school, my generation said, "Why read the book when you can read the Cliff's Notes?" There was no such thing as Bible Cliff’s Notes. Today you can purchase “The Bible for Dummies” anywhere. I am also concerned that daily online devotionals and Bible Q&A's are displacing sound teaching for Bible 'bites.’ Of course there’s a lot of good stuff on the internet, but there’s just as much bad stuff.

If they are not discerning, Millennials will be ripe for deception, easily intimidated by intellectual ‘scholars’ who despise the inerrancy of Scriptures. “in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Tim. 4:1). And there’s plenty of that on the World Wide Web. Recent surveys show that many Millennial Christians do not participate in local church because they go to church online. I think Albert Mohler got it right when he said “YouTube is a terrible place to go to church.” Whatever happened to Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible study?

Living on Purpose

The other day I was talking to one of my former students, a bright young man full of ambition. But he confesses to wasting a lot of time—video games, TV, Facebook—none of which contribute anything to his life goals. I assured him his situation is not uncommon.  Our culture offers us so many empty things with which to occupy ourselves!  I call it "loitering."

Did you know that several years after Joshua and Israel had moved into Canaan, there were still seven Tribes who had not yet taken possession of their portions of the Land ? (Josh. 18)  So Joshua asked them, "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord has given you?" They were still living like wanderers. Here they stood, on the edge of God’s gift to them, loitering instead of occupying.

Jesus said “Occupy ‘til I come” (Lk. 19:13).  But like the seven Tribes many Christians have never taken full possession of God's plan and purpose. They may tell you they are waiting on God, but they are really just 'waiting around.'  Genuine waiting on God means occupying yourself with God's purposes (Col 3:2). That's hard to do when you are predisposed and preoccupied.  That's what the the seven loitering Tribes picture for us.  So, what did I tell my former student? I said, "Put up a sign in your heart  that says 'No Loitering,' and start Living on Purpose."

Will they be watching Jesus on YouTube?

Yesterday in an interview with ABC News Reporter Christiane Amanpour, Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s oldest son, said he thinks the second coming of Jesus Christ could be a social media event captured by millions of mobile phones, explaining, “The Bible says that Christ will come on the clouds and every eye is going to see it.”

I have always thought that Christ’s visibility to the whole world at once would just be a rather supernatural event. But Graham finds a ‘natural’ explanation for it! Just think of it! Everyone will be taking pictures with their cell phones and sending them throughout the entire world by picture and video messaging, which will be watched on YouTube, and shared on Face book, and "tweeps" tweeting it in real time.  Graham seems to be suggesting not only that Jesus' return is imminent, but that the phenomenon of social media is one more proof that everything is getting in place for the world’s greatest event! 

Running On Empty?

Someone has said we too often run on fumes rather than a full tank. This is especially true of pastors and spiritual leaders. And while it may be especially true of caregivers, all of us are guilty of it. Rather than taking time alone with the Lord to get filled, we are driven by the urgent needs of people and projects.

Even with all the demands on Him, Jesus never ran on empty. Everyday He withdrew into the wilderness—a quiet place—to seek to be filled. “For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness of God to dwell in Him (Col 1:19; 2:9). And, amazingly, that same fullness is ours: “And from his fullness have we all received” (John 1:16).

Unfortunately, most of us are more conscious of our emptiness than His fulness. Is it because we are filling ourselves with empty things, so full of our friends on Facebook, our jobs, our families, even our ministries that we neglect withdrawing to be filled by Jesus? If you are feeling more empty than full, what are you full of? Whatever it is, you know it will never be enough ‘fuel’ to last you through the day. Take a close look at your spiritual diet and ask yourself: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare [and you will be full]” (Is. 55:2).

The Slater Slide

By now everyone has heard of flight attendant Steven Slater’s angry slide down the JetBlue aircraft’s emergency shoot in a rebellious “I’m out of here” spirit. Within minutes, he slid onto the front pages of national news, and became an overnight sensation on Facebook, with over 14,000 sympathizers.

But before you get captivated by this “rebel with a cause” spirit, think about this. This self-determining spirit of rebellion has been around since time began—captivating our first parents, Adam and Eve, and bringing judgment on all those who have rebelled against God.

God hates rebellion, calling it the sin of witchcraft... and idolatry (1 Sam. 15:23). The cause of Lucifer’s fall (Is. 14: 12-14), the spirit of rebellion characterizes all who are called the “sons of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2). But having become “sons of God” (Rom. 9:26) we must avoid the Slater Slide—a slow and gradual decline that will harden out hearts toward God’s authority.

Ask yourself if you need to make some adjustments: “for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; therefore, do not be partakers with them” (Eph. 5:6-7).

"Someone You Don't Know" wants to be friends with you on Facebook

Not a week goes by that I don’t get one of these ‘friend’ requests. There’s even a new word born out of this phenomenon: It’s called “friending”—meaning that connecting is only a click away! Through social connectivity, it is possible to have many acquaintances, but not one person with whom you are truly intimate. This 21st century 'friendship' paradigm should prompt us to examine what the Bible says.

Following are a few statements I took off an Internet site in which people offered their definition of a friend: 1) someone we care about and is ready to help us during times of distress; 2) a person with whom we share most of our thoughts; 3) someone we can always count upon our during an emergency. (One of my favorites was this one: a friend is someone who helps you move!) While all these statements contain truth, there is something missing: a friend is committed to helping you become a better person.

Solomon says: The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:9, 17) A friend who is willing to tell you the “truth”—speaking the truth in love—is one who ‘makes’ you better. These are not ‘easy’ relationships. They are often messy and inconvenient. Don’t get so caught up in ‘friending’ you forget the meaning of true friendship. And I am quite sure you won't find it on Facebook.

Change You Can Believe In

The first decade of the 21st century has produced some incredible changes. Ten years ago there was no Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. The internet highway was largely untraveled, and two start-up companies called Google and Yahoo seemed like jokes. Ten years ago, no one could have imagined the need for a law prohibiting texting while driving. And many more such technologies have changed our lives—for better or worse!

Many of the changes of the last decade have been driven by fear. The “world as we knew it” was forever changed by 9-11: unbelievable changes in airport security; the advent of two wars in pursuit of an invisible enemy. Some are calling it the “decade of fear”—fear of terrorism, global warming, swine flu, recession, losing your home or job. Consequently, new laws were implemented, forever altering our our life styles.

How ought a follower of Christ live in an ever-changing world? What can protect us from unexpected, anxiety-producing changes? The answer is clear: by fixing ourselves on an unchanging God. The change that should occupy our attention is the change that is going on inside of us, as the Holy Spirit is changing (transforming) us into the image of Jesus. We should live as those who have been crucified to this world (Galatians 6:14), its influence of minimal importance. After all, we are not of this world, are we? (John 8:23) And we live in this changing world with the hope that someday “we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52).

Now that’s change you can believe in.

How Many Friends Do YOU Have on Facebook?

In this week’s USA Today, an article entitled “Are Students Today More Narcissistic?” caught my attention. In a survey on “narcissism,” two-thirds of college students said their generation uses social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter for self-promotion and attention-seeking. According to the researchers, the survey shows a substantial increase in narcissism from Generation X.

While I have no doubt the Millennial generation has perfected its own style of self-expression, they are not unique. My generation (Baby Boomers) had its own excesses in self-expression and attention grabbing. Back in the 60’s, everyone must have thought the “cult” of self-expression had reached its zenith, with its unrestrained self-gratification and hedonism.

Come to think of it, the human condition hasn’t changed much, has it? From the time of Babel, self-serving, narcissistic men have been seeking attention and promotion.

Using today’s networking jargon, the Genesis 3 account might go something like this: In the Garden there were two social networking systems—one was called “God-Promotion,” the other “Self-Promotion.” Satan said to Eve: “if you sign up for my “self-promoting” network, you will be able to control your destiny—you will be popular; many people will pay attention to you.” Well, you know which one she chose!

Think about this: Christians began “social networking” 2,000 years ago. By a network of brothers and sisters, an organism called the Body of Christ! And its purpose was to promote Jesus!

(BTW, how many times a day do you check to see if your friends have written on your wall?!)

The Facebook Culture

In yesterday's San Jose Mercury, I read an article about “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement,” a newly published book by Jean Twenge and Keith Campbell. They address the narcissistic attitudes of the “Me Generation”—young Americans in their teens, 20’s and 30’s: now being labeled the “Millennial Generation.”

The authors attribute the narcissistic trend to a culture that builds a false sense of self-esteem by: enlightened ‘non-judgmental’ parenting; an education philosophy that rewards everyone equally; the Internet avenues of expression, like “Facebook” which allows anyone to create their own idealized persona; a celebrity culture (American Idol) that encourages the notion that anyone can be (and ought to be) famous; and easy credit which promotes instant gratification.

The authors say: “Narcissism is absolutely toxic to society: they feel entitled [but] don’t think about consequences." Twenge suggest that this 'entitlement' mentality might have helped cause America's economic crisis.

In light of this, look at the words [abreviated for emphasis] of Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-4:  But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, ungrateful … without self-control … reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.