Are you on Facebook (Link to my profile)? How many friends do you have? 50? 100? 500? 1,000? How many of them do you have meaningful interactions with on a regular basis? If I had to guess, I would say probably not very many. But I would also guess that at one time or another, you have compared yourself with others by how many friends you have on Facebook. (Don’t lie, you know you have)
At the time of this writing, I have 957 friends on Facebook. However, this fact is not reflected in my news feed. I have my settings fixed to show updates from all of my friends, but my news feed is usually consumed by posts from about 15% of my total number of friends. Most of these posts tell me what the weather is doing, what they just ate, or some other pointless and boring piece of information.
What’s the point? The point is that most of my “friends” aren’t tapping the power of the medium. They showed up, but showing up isn’t enough. They are there, but being there doesn’t add any value. Say something! Do something! Add some value!
Let me bring this to the Church. Showing up is not enough. It is easy for us to get into a rut of coming to church and going through the motions. We shake hands and say, “praise the Lord.” We clap our hands during the song. We pay or tithe. We listen to the preacher. We might even make it to the altar. But we can do all this and still not have anything change; we didn’t give anything and we didn’t get anything.
Don’t (just) go to church. BE THE CHURCH! Inside and outside the four walls. Before service, during service, and after service. At home, at work, and at school. Say something to encourage someone and glorify God. Do something that will be a blessing to others and please your Heavenly Father. Add some value! Give yourself. Give and it will come back.
Because showing up isn’t enough.
I have more friends than you do.
*misses the point*
Brad…I love your humor. Keeps me laughing. (And I fully expect a sarcastic follow up to my follow up)
Hey, Brother Tyler!
Decided to check out your impressive blog this evening. Trust all is well with you!
I was wondering when you are coming to visit and minister in Ghana.
We would love to have you!
God bless!
Brother Poitras
KEEP WRITING!
Thanks Bro. Poitras! I would love to come back and I have bee praying. I will email you soon. Check in if you don’t hear from me in a couple weeks…please!
I love this blog! Thank you so much for your insight and gentle push to do and be more! Also thank you for living what you preach, for example giving all you you have even when you have nothing left! Love ya!
Thank you so much Elaina…you are far too kind. I’m glad it can be a blessing.