The second area that God convicted me was in the area of time and focus. We here in the States are blessed beyond measure. Even in a time when the economy is at it's worst since who knows when we are still far better off than over three fourths of the world. We are consumed with technology and "being connected". Our Black Berries buzz any time someone updates their face book or twitter page. If we do not send out 100 emails a day we seem to believe that we have not accomplished anything for the day. I believe that this "connectivity" is a distraction use by the enemy to actually disconnect us from each other and God.
While in Nicaragua we were not surrounded by all of the distractions that connect us. We were focused on the task at hand. The people there were also focused on each other and their communities. Each day we would have to travel down a long dirt road to get to the job site. One day as we were riding I began to think about the pastors we had met a few days before. I was reflecting on their knowledge of the Bible and the compassion that they had shared for their people.
These men had no access to the internet, no libraries full of commentaries, and no formal theological training other than the groups that have came and taught in the past. What they did have was a lot less distractions and time. Not to say that they were not busy because they are. When you live in conditions like they do, just surviving day to day takes time. There are no markets down the street, no one has a car to go to the store. What you eat you grow or kill, or you spend a complete day on your bike riding for hours to get to the bus stop to go to the store.
But these men made time they started their day early and it ended late. They didn't waste time "staying connected" to friends and family. When they had time to connect they connected to the One that matters and that is God the creator and sustainer of our universe. There connection to family was sitting around their homes (sticks with black plastic wrapped around it) and sharing, talking, and loving one another. They didn't feel the need to update their status every hour with meaningless information, or tweet (or what ever it is called) every time they had to go to the bathroom, or go eat, or scratch their nose. They spent quality time with each other one on one sharing and caring. The took the time to read God's word daily they meditated on it and hid it in their hearts.
Now I know that for some folks out there this post is already made your blood pressure rise a few digits but just relax. I am not saying that technology is wrong or even a bad thing. In fact I am thankful that I have the internet and all the comforts we have here in the states. I am however stating that God has convicted me of my "busyness". For those out there that are Christians I pose one question to you. If you had to provide a ratio to compare the number of Face Book or Twitter post you make, or pointless text messages you have sent to the number of times you have shared the gospel what would that ratio look like?
God has given me a burden. He has convicted my heart to become "UNBUSY". To refocus my attention on what matters, and that is His kingdom and sharing His story and becoming more active in evangelism.
Once again let me be clear I am not saying that Face Book or Twitter are wrong or bad. I believe they provide ways to stay "connected" with friends and family. My concern is that we as Christians are becoming to connected to our technology and less connected to the LOST WORLD that Christ commanded us "to go and preach to." When we update our status twice as much as we read God's word or share the Gospel I really feel that we have created an idol and have sinned against God.
I am well aware of the fact that Face Book and Twitter are not the only problems out there. We have moved sports, recreation, vacation, work, and many other things before God. We do how ever have to start somewhere. The next time you are going to update your status I hope you stop and think have I read my Bible today? Did I take the time to stop and speak to that coworker that is going through a difficult time? Have I told my family I love them? And most importantly Have I Put God First? If the answer to this is yes then I say "tweet" away and keep the status updates coming. If the answer is no i hope you stop and take the time to really CONNECT with what is important GOD, His Word, and Family.
Just as with the first post I am no english major. I did not let Brandi proof this so I am sure it is full of grammatical mistakes. Please excuse them.
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