Never before in the history of the world have we been so connected to technology. Thus creating a struggle for connection in relationship with others. Not sure if I am on target with this? Go out to eat and watch the people. They sit gathered around a table, maybe there are 4 to 5 of them, and watch how many are on their iPhone or other device. They are engrossed in their time on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Or watch the family of 5 sitting across from you and see how much actual connection and conversation is going on among them? I would venture to say that you will be hard pressed to find one table that is not using or glancing at their device at some point during their meal. This has created a huge need in America today. It's called loneliness.
If we go back to God's word looking for an example of relationship we need only look at Jonathan and David. They are a great example of the kind of friendship that God intends for us. These two guys couldn't have come from two more different backgrounds. David was poor shepherd and Jonathan was a prince of Israel. And yet inspite of their differences they became fast and lifelong friends. 1st Samuel 18:1 says, "As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." Jonathan went on to cement his intentional relationship with David by literally giving him the clothes off of his back. He quite literally took his robe, his tunic, his belt, his bow, and his sword to David. Not only did he give him his clothes but also his weapons. Guys, how many "friends" do you have that would give you the shirt off his back? Or lets make it more contemporary, How many guys would give you the last $20 in their wallet? Or drop what they are doing to come save you or your family off the side of the road in the middle of nowhere? Are you the type guy or gal that would drop what you are doing to be this kind of a friend?
To be a friend like this it takes initiative on your part. You have to strive to be intentional about the relationships that you have. Being passive is the death of any relationship. Be proactive! Pursue relationship and don't give up. Don't allow the pace of life to be a major barrier in your life. There are no short cuts to authentic community and friendship.
We are all in a hurry these days. We are all "over booked" with the things that we have to do in our own lives. And I believe that this is the reason for so many failed relationships. You can't get deep into a relationship in a hurry. You can't walk through someones crisis in a hurry. If you think that you can fit a real intentional relationship in around the edges of a packed schedule please stop and think again. You can't go into a deep relationship with everyone but you can with a few.
There is no reason to be lonely. God did not make us with the thought of us being alone and without friends. It is the relationships that we cultivate on earth that help us direct ourselves one way or the other. So stop being lonely, get intentional, and understand that you will never drift into authentic relationship. You don't have to be lonely.
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