Virtual Church
This time last week I was in Orlando at the International Christian Retailers Show. This annual convention hosts exhibitors from Christian publishing, music, film, and gifts and connects them with buyers, media, authors, and artists.
On Monday, my publisher had a giveaway for an e-reader. I chatted with an older lady who stopped by the booth and encouraged her to sign up. This Christian bookstore owner expressed her frustration with the technology. “These things are ruining our business!”
Yes, technology has changed – and continues to change – the way we do life. For instance, the digital age has greatly impacted publishing. Thankfully, publishers are learning to adapt. In fact, an industry professional said that statistics show that as the sales of an author’s e-books rise, so does the print sales!
Technology has also impacted our faith. The world wide web offers wonderful resources for believers. For instance, this blog gives readers spiritual encouragement through a daily devotional. I started a Bible reading group on Facebook to help women stay in their Bibles. Christians also have access to Bible study tools, commentaries, Bible study groups, leadership training, and more.
However, there is a downside. It’s easy for believers to hide behind our computer screens and substitute a virtual church for the one God intends. Yes, there is community online, but it is limited. An online spiritual community has a lot to offer, but it can never – and should never – replace the actual Body of Christ.
God designed our faith to be lived out in community with other believers. Each of us is just one part of the body. (I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-17.) We need all the other parts to serve God completely and to grow into the person He wants us to be. We need other believers and other believers need us. Face to face and hand in hand.
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 12:23-25, NLT
Let’s chat! What spiritual benefits can only be found in the real-life church?
I love eye contact with my brothers and sisters, and lots of hugs, and praying together.
Me too Denise! It’s hard to do that through a computer screen!
You are right, technology has changed our lives. Some a great benefits (sharing the Gospel worldwide). I like that shut-ins have the opportunity to still be encouraged.
One thing came to mind when reading your devotion: we can’t take communion online. And I need the encouragement through hugs and words from my fellow believers fact-to-face.
Iris, you are so right. Communion is a physical community event commanded by Christ. Once again, technology is a great tool but can never be substitute for real body life.
I love the hugs, the smiles, the genuine I’m happy to see you from someone whose face I’m looking into.