What Face-Book tells us about Gods will.

Face-book is changing the world. 

The other day I walked into the Toledo Library and I couldn't believe what I saw. Every single person on a computer was surfing face-book. 

At first I was a little disgusted but then I had a thought that confused me. 

What if this is Gods will for all these people? 

What if what those people were doing was actually because of Gods will?

Before you cyber stone me to oblivion, please hear me out...

Have you ever wondered why face-book is so irresistible? 

I mean, what is it about this site that attracts every single computer at the public library? 

Black, white, young, old, Christian, Muslim, atheist, rich, poor, Introvert, extrovert, grandpa and grandma. 

Every one is in. 

Even my dog has a FB account for crying out loud. [Feel free to send her a request here]. 

Yes face-book has a hold on us all and I think I know why. 

I think the reason every single person at the library was on FB was because every single person at the library wants to be connected. 

We all not only want to be connected to others but we need to be connected to others. 
We live for connections. 

We can't help it... 

Because we were created to be in community. We were created to know and be known. 

God crafted us in a way that we would glorify him by finding great pleasure in our connectedness with each other.

But sin robbed us of that perfect community. It robbed us of our inter-dependence on one another and convinced us that we were better off solo. 

So we went from 'the fellowship of the ring' to 'the lone ranger'. We replaced 'we' with 'I'. 

But no matter how much we build walls and fences around our hearts, our soul knows we are missing something.

It remembers what was stolen from us. It desires what was lost. 

So we all flock to face-book hoping/trying to salvage what's left. 

Hoping to know and be known. 
Longing desperately to have connections with people.

Even if its through a computer screen. 

John Smith has requested your friendship.
Grandma Esther has poked you.
Nebuchadnezzer has tagged you in a picture.

Those things bring us satisfaction. 

Because its Gods will. 

NOT to network socially (per say). But to be relationally connected to the lives of people.

I don't know about you guys but I forget that a lot. 
I get all about my own business and I’m pretty sure if I were stranded on a desert island, I’d be fine.

But then I walk into the library and I watch everyone obsess over face-book status's, threads and notifications and I remember. 
I remember I was created to be connected. 

And so were you. 

Don't worry, I'm not gonna ask you to close your face-book account.  In fact I'm gonna ask you to connect with me in a second on FB because I don't have anything against face-book.  

My hope though is we don't limit our connectedness to a computer screen. Cause my golly we were made for so much more. 

We were made to experience LIFE-GIVING, AUTHENTIC, REAL, IRRESISTIBLE, MIND-BLOWING relationships with people.

I don't know how much energy you put towards social networking (face-book) but my guess is, If you put half of that energy towards knowing and pursuing others in real life, you would be extremely rich.

Not financially. But relationally. 

Why do you think we are so obsessed with each others lives on face-book but could care less in real life? This kind of baffles me so I'd like to get your thoughts. Also...

What is the biggest obstacle between you and authentic community?
What are some ways you can connect to real life people this week? 

If you have face-book and are encouraged by my work [especially you anonymous/not commenters :)], It would mean a lot to me if you connected with me by 'liking' my face-book page. It'll take 2 seconds and I’d honestly really appreciate it. Thanks.