We’ve
come up with some pretty strange words in the English language in recent years,
most of which have to do with our taken-for-granted life online. “Skype,” “Livestream,”
and “google” have gone from being online platforms to becoming verbs: “Let’s Skype
tomorrow at 10 a.m.” we say. Or, “We’ll be livestreaming our worship
services tomorrow evening on social media.” My favorite phrase that has become a
normal part of our 21st century vernacular is “Have you ever googled
yourself?” (which might sound like a rather indecent proposal!) We’ve become
instant experts in just about everything these days, just by going online. (I
confess that I’ve become a rather proficient shade-tree diesel mechanic thanks
to YouTube!)
Unfortunately,
there are some downsides to this method of enlightenment. Not everything we
find on the interweb can be trusted. (I know! I was shocked too!) Another issue
is that just because someone has posted about a given subject doesn’t make that
person an expert worth trusting. Still, our first response to most questions is
to just “google it.”
The fear that
many pastors like myself have is that there are many folks who encounter people
who would rather “google” their faith, or to let it become merely a query-based
exploration rather than develop a personal, life-long relationship with our
Creator God. Knowing information about God is not the same as knowing
God, no matter how many website hits you may explore. But still, this is the extent
of many people’s spiritual growth endeavors.
The issue
with only seeking information rather than a genuine relationship is that
knowledge is only part of the equation. One can, for instance, study all the
effects of buoyancy, floatation devices, swimming strokes, water displacement,
and drag co-efficiencies, but never fully experience what it is like to swim in
the water. The same is true of our relationship with God.
And
developing a relationship with God takes time. Discipline. Intention. And patience.
Getting to know God starts with spending time in God’s Word. Getting to know
the person of Jesus starts with reading the scriptures, particularly the Gospels.
Truly understanding what a holy relationship with God is like begins with
immersing oneself within the worshiping body of believers known as the Church.
This is where the sustaining power of God’s Holy Spirit shines best.
If you’re
one of those who only comes to church on occasion, (what one pastor I know calls
a “CEO” Christian – “Christmas-Easter-Only”) the joy of knowing God’s plan for
your life is sorely limited. If you are not cracking open that Bible that has
been on your shelf for the last umpteen years collected dust, you’re truly
missing out on the blessings God has in store for you. If the last time you
stepped foot in a church was for a funeral several months ago (or longer!), you’re
short-changing yourself.
You
cannot “google” your way into heaven, regardless of how good the marketing is
for the internet. God has something much better waiting for you. Come and see!
See you
in Church!
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