Unpluggingনমুনা

Yesterday we looked at how creating a regular rhythm of unplugging from the technology in our lives creates the necessary space for uninterrupted time with God.

Today, we will turn our attention to a second benefit of unplugging from technology: Sensitivity. Unplugging from the technology in our lives creates the necessary sensitivity to see and respond to the needs of the people around us where we live, work, and play.

Scripture frequently reminds us to live out our faith in Jesus in community. Acts 2:46 tells us of the importance of gathering together, "Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts." And the author of Hebrews provides a similar message, "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NRSV‬‬)

There is undoubtedly a place in our lives for virtually connecting with friends and family. But what if God has strategically placed us in our homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces to love and be loved by the people we share physical space with? Is it possible that we have become so fixated on the people out there in the virtual world that we no longer see or value the people in the physical world right in front of us?

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun provides a beautiful reminder of how important face-to-face interaction is with others, "Unplugging recognizes that personal beings are created for personal interaction by a personal God. We need to be in the presence of each other. Digital connections aren't enough to keep us healthy. We need to be touched. We need nonverbal signals. We need uninterrupted spaces in our lives for the presence of God and the presence of others."

Today, as you move throughout your day, take a minute to unplug from your technology and ask God to increase your sensitivity to the people right in front of you. What would it look like for you and me to give someone else the gift of our presence, our full attention, and our uninterrupted time? How might that bring new life to their soul and ours? And how might our time together draw us deeper into an intimate relationship with God, who created us to be in community?