Counter-cultural Presence
Good Morning,
“Don't be so conformed to culture that you fit into it without thinking. Instead, let God transform you by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 (Message)
In the middle of a conversation with a close friend your phone lets you know that someone is texting you. You are out to dinner with your family and instead of engaging each other, everyone is looking at their phone. You are in church worshipping when you get a text from a co-worker. You’re out on a date with your spouse and your phone starts blowing up with a group text. Think about what your first inclinations are in these situations.
All these scenarios are very real in this age of techno-relationships (not sure that is a term, but you get what I mean). We are living in days where we are more connected with people around the world yet less connected with the people right in our midst. Is this culturally acceptable? Yes. Does it promote healthy, flourishing relationships? I’m not so sure. In fact, divorce attorneys are now seeing things like mobile devices and social media show up in separation hearings.
Jesus was masterful at being fully present. In the middle of a crowd, he felt someone touch his robe. With a packed schedule he took time to put children on his lap. He took time to meet privately with Nicodemus for a pivotal conversation. Can you imagine Jesus pausing to check his phone during their dialogue? Jesus demonstrated time and again that presence matters because it shows people they matter.
When we are distracted by our technology in the presence of others it devalues them. This is not an anti-technology statement. I am not anti-technology. It is a statement challenging us to be less distracted and more tuned in to the people in front of us. It shows others that we see them; that we notice them. It demonstrates that what they are bringing to the moment has worth. It validates them. That is very counter-cultural and very Jesus-like.
This merits some additional thought on our part. Perhaps we need to strongly consider the advice in Rom. 12:2 not to conform to culture without even thinking about it. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
On a date leave the phones in the car or turn them off. Make friends with “airplane mode” so there are times you can’t be interrupted. Make meals a no tech zone. Set some “I’m not open hours”, say from 9pm to 7 am. Practice looking people in the eye. Begin to be intentional about being fully present. Those around you deserve it.
Live on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein
