I witnessed two young women, intensely talking. One was obviously going through a difficult situation. After a few moments, the other woman abruptly said she had to go and told the friend in distress to, “Text me.” It wasn’t much of a face-to-face, intimate encounter for the hurting. Encouragement instead came through an inanimate object using condensed phrases.
I sense the enemy’s enjoyment; another successful attempt to disconnect.
Imagine worship on Sunday morning. The band is “on” the energy level is high, the crowd, the music, the clapping. Hands are raised and people are singing. Ask someone how their time with the Lord is going through- out the week and they might suggest there is a struggle with their personal worship time. It just isn’t the same without the band, the energy, the people, the clapping, the noise crowding out the conviction.
Distractions work for the mission to disconnect.
Face book postings – glossy, perfected, images of a young bride as she posts about her wonderful vacation with her awesome husband, new home, thoughts on the movie she just saw. But on the inside, she’s discouraged. Her new husband’s preoccupied and spends a lot of time on the computer. The sites he’s visiting leaves her feeling used, lonely and shamed. Constantly updating her status and photos, her greatest fear is being found out – how her life really is.
Keep them working towards the” impossible” image, it fosters disconnect
A young man is interviewed on a video about his recent short-term mission. He’s excitedly talking into the camera about how close the group became with the resident pastor of the church they were helping in the Third World Country. The man behind the camera asked what the pastor’s name was. The young man, still smiling answers, “I have no idea.”
False sense of intimacy keeps them from really enduring with one another…disconnect.
Water down God's Truth so that it doesn't offend. Just keep them coming back, don’t make them uncomfortable – give them what they want to hear.
Lack of awe, reverence, respect leads to lack of understanding the holiness of God…disconnect.
Disconnect man from man, man from God – subtle warfare –effective strategy.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
I was with you all the way to the loving not judging part. We shouldn't just "live how we want," but so very often our judging gets in the way of loving and judging is a big reason why people put on masks in the first place (masks create a big disconnect). Did I misunderstand?
ReplyDeleteI actually went back to clarify...because of just what you said...we do feel like we have to "be" a certain way...when God loves us as we are. My point was that "religion" and distractions can get in the way of an intimate relationship with Christ. Thanks for sharing Carey and for keeping me on my toes!
ReplyDeleteSee changes in that area, Carey...I think the point is more clear now. Grace & Peace!
ReplyDelete