Communication

One of the biggest problems we have today is communication. In the family, the work place, in the church. Technology has made more communication possible. But do people rely on their gizmos too much and avoid being together? What are the ramifications of spending time in the same location, but not really talking to each other? Has the cell phone reduced meaningful interaction rather than enabling it? Do families spend time sharing with each other, or do individuals live in the same house without engaging in conversation?

How do we communicate? With words, yes. But more than that. With body language, with the eyes, with the tone of voice, with music and art. So many ways to help us understand each other. That’s part of God’s design. It involves relationship.

How has God communicated over the centuries? Sometimes with words. He spoke to Moses and many prophets, who wrote down His words and thoughts. Though people revered Him, few understood Him until Jesus came. No wonder He’s called “The Word” in John’s gospel. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Not only the words He spoke were important, but the way He said them. He spoke the truth in love. He was the Truth. He was Love up close and personal. And people could talk to God as never before.

But what happened when He went away? He sent His Spirit to live with us and in us. “I will no longer talk much with you” (John 14:30), Jesus told his disciples. But He also explained that God would send a Helper. “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). And that’s what happened. The disciples carried the good news about the Savior to all the world around them. “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

But let me get back to the main point. Communication. Does God still communicate with us? Do we speak to Him? Is our communication effective? We sometimes fail and are weak. But here’s the promise: “We do not know how to pray worthily as sons of God, but his Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonizing longings which never find words” (Romans 8:26, J. B. Phillips). How’s that for encouragement? With or without words we can communicate with God and with each other. I try to communicate with you each week in written words. It’s kind of a one-way track. So I’d love a little feedback (communication) from you. How about it?