Life-Giving Conversations

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV).

A quick Google search reveals the very first text message, “Merry Christmas”, was sent in 1992 from a computer to a cell phone1. The world jumped on board quickly, and Nokia became the first cell phone company to support this new form of communication2. 

My first cell phone was a Nokia bar phone. I played endless games of Snake, I knew not to make phone calls until after 9pm, and I knew text messages were a premium form of communication. Crazy to think how far we’ve come over the last 30 years.

You know what? I kind of miss those phones. It required us to pick up the phone and call others. We connected by hearing each other’s voices. You had to be mindful about how, and when, you used your phone. We had to be intentional about connection, which is a lost art these days.

Many of us keep our phones on silent. I know many people who never check their voicemails. A phone call gets ignored, but a text response comes moments later.

I understand there are reasons why we do this, but the ultimate outcome is the same–we are the most technologically advanced society in human history, yet we are the most disconnected.

In reality, many of us have learned to treat our relationship with Jesus the same way. We put him on silent. We hear Him calling us, but instead we choose to ignore it. Though we may not say it verbally, our actions speak loudly–I’ll respond later.

I recently had a very life giving conversation with a friend. After a rough week, she reached out to see how I was doing. We exchanged a few texts, and I realized I didn’t want to continue communicating from a screen. 1 hour and 15 minutes later (yes, we talked that long), my heart felt lighter than it had for weeks.

We shared our struggles, celebrated our successes, and challenged one another in our walk with Christ. It was a conversation that reminded me just how important connection is to my heart.

If we look to the Word we are reminded that God created us for relationship. Though the verse refers specifically to the eventual creation of Eve as a helpmate for Adam, I believe it applies to our desire, and need, for connection. Genesis 2:18 says: The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” This is the first instance in the Bible where God said something was not good. I think we should pay attention.

The next time you think about texting a friend, consider picking up the phone to give him/her a call. Set aside time on the calendar to connect with a friend in person for coffee. If you live far from each other, use Zoom or Facetime so you can see one another face to face.

Don’t keep your heart on silent. Don’t let God’s call go to voicemail. Don’t allow yourself to be content scrolling through God’s Word on a screen. Don’t say I’ll respond later. Jesus is calling.

When we are intentional to engage in life-giving, Christ-centered conversations, we will begin to experience more joy, more peace, and we will continue to be able to walk in step with the Spirit toward all the plans God has for our lives.

#christ #thenarrowpath #hope #jesus #healing

1. “First SMS Text Message Is Sent | December 3, 1992.” History.com. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-sms-text-message-sent. 

2. 17, Kyle Kuczynski|Co-Founder & CMODec, Kyle Kuczynski|Co-Founder & CMO, Kyle Kuczynski, and Co-Founder & CMO. “When Did Texting Start? Text Message & Smartphone History.” When Did Texting Start? Text Message & Smartphone History. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.messagedesk.com/blog/text-messaging-history-timeline-evolution#:~:text=1993,to%20support%20sending%20text%20messages.