Stay In Touch

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy6:5-7NIV

One of the things which sets us apart from the other parts of creation, is that we can communicate by language. We are now finding that some other animals can make sounds which are interpreted in some way by others in their species. For our Creator God to give us this gift, suggests that He sees it as important. God gives us instructions to talk to our families, especially as we convey the commandments and love of God.

Since communication is important, why do we resist the many ways we have available to do just that? It seems that some don’t want to talk unless it is face to face. Ok, I hear you saying that this verse is only speaking about a face to face conversation, but in that day this was the only way to communicate! Is that really a reason for us to avoid any of the modern means of communication? I have come across those who would use the landline phone, but don’t ask them to use a mobile phone, or forbid even send a text! Given that attitude, there is no chance of them adopting any of the other social media methods of being in touch. Yes, it’s also about staying in touch as well as just talking.

Now, before you start to shout at me, I know that social media usage does not come naturally to some people, but then I can remember the first party line dial phones in our street, and they were a mystery to many too, and avoided by some at the beginning. There were even pastors who preached against their place in our homes and lives along with the advent of Television. We have moved on since then, and just about everyone has a landline phone, and a TV. Is it possible that the same thing will happen to the acceptance and use of the smartphone, and with it the general embrace of better communications through social media? Why would we all not want to have the best and fastest way to be in touch with those we love, and those we need? Like family and friends, doctors, hospitals, emergency services, pastors, and others you could add. Here’s a wee thought: Why not learn to accept this benefit and instead of resisting and complaining about it, use it for good? As I often say, “just thinking out loud!”