Values

"We are a culture that relies on technology over community, a society in which spoken and written words are cheap, easy to come by, and excessive. Our culture says anything goes; fear of God is almost unheard of. We are slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry." ~Francis Chan

How true is that quote. If you have a facebook account, think of how many friends you have on that account. Now, think of how many of them are actually your friends, someone you can confide in who will be there for you no matter what. Someone you feel safe with, and someone you know would give up something in their life to help you out. Who on that page would you feel safe to call in the middle of the night because something in your life went wrong, and you know not only would they not be angry with you waking them up, but they would rush to be by your side? Who on that page would you do all the above for and consider a true friend? I doubt there are many in a long list of friends, yet we spend more time on facebook or myspace or twitter, than we do in growing and building true relationships. How many sit within their own homes and text each other instead of talking to each other? Technology has replaced REAL relationships in our society and it's sad to think about.

People do use words to excess...think of politicians. They make promise after promise after promise, and they don't follow through. I believe most of the tv media do the same. I think of the teens I work with, and when you can get them to actually talk, not text, many go on and on and on, yet actually SAY very little. We have lost the ability to communicate effectively. I remember in our speech classes in high school, the least you said in a concise, factual manner is what got you the better grade, not just babbling on for ten minutes.

Fear of God...I don't think that many believers even do that much anymore. Somehow, God has become a big soft, cushy God. God is to be worshipped with all that is within us, He is to be put at the highest place of honor, and we are to have NOTHING else come before Him in our lives. Fear of God doesn't mean fear like fear of men. It means we are humbled, He is at the greatest honor, to know He is the Creator and to bow before Him in awe of His creation. It's extreme respect! It recognizes that He is in charge of everything, including my life. He gave me life, and at any moment He can take my last breath from me. He is in charge of the world, despite what politicians believe, and all authority belongs to Him.

I challenge you to build real friendships/relationships, not just see how many 'friends' you can get on facebook. Actual friends and true relationships are so much more important! Choose your words wisely. Go outside and get to know your neighbors! Talk to those in your home and make them words that mean something, not just idle chatter. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Put God first and foremost in your life and seek a REAL relationship with Him. Religion doesn't cut it!! A relationship with our Creator is what we all need.

What changes will you make this week? Will you value actual, true friendships over 'friends' that you don't even know on your technology accounts? Will you spend time really talking to your family? Will you pick up the Bible and read about the love that God has for you?

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry James 1:19