All Access

Have you checked out the new Instagram Stories on Instagram? I love them. Essentially a live feed of my friends and loved ones lives right at my fingertips. I love the connections that social media allows us, but I can't help but think that the ease of connection is also hurting our real, true, personal relationships with each other.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Scripture doesn't mention that as Twitter sharpens Twitter, or as Facebook sharpens Facebook. No. It speaks of metal sharpening metal, which only happens when it comes into direct contact with another piece of metal... not just by scrolling through a newsfeed.

Sharpening each other happens in direct fellowship, in conversations, in small groups, in meals over the same table. I love the fun of social media but never want to take for granted the true identities of those behind the accounts. I want to be increasingly intentional about the relationships I'm building.

Just this morning I met a friend for coffee. We ran into each other three weeks ago at a restaurant and talked about how much we'd like to see each other and catch up. I reminded her (and myself!) that it's never about being too busy... it's about taking the time to put it on the calendar. We scheduled a date right then, and this morning was so lovely and refreshing for us both.

The Lord built us for community with one another. Not for community with a screen. He hand-selected each one of us to be sitting the unique position where we are now, surrounded by the people that are in our lives. And no amount of filters or shares will validate or steal that. My joy is my duty and my treasure to protect. I dress for an audience of One and am striving for real community with the divine appointments He arranges for me.