This week, my son and I saw “Toy Story 5.” This next iteration of the franchise was slightly different than those of the past, focusing more on the “humans,” rather than the toys themselves.
If you haven’t seen it, stop reading now.
The crux of the story was how technology has damaged human connections. There were multiple scenes in which people were glued to their devices, ignoring people sitting right next to them. Friends and family in the same room with eyes on flickering screens.
No conversations. No connections.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for technology. Without it, I couldn’t share my blog or the Elevate The Day Podcast with people all around the world.
However, here’s what I’ve noticed and perhaps you have too. As connected as we are to each other, we’ve never been more disconnected. According to some studies, as many as twenty percent of U.S. adults experience some form of loneliness or isolation.
If left unchecked, it can manifest physically. We know this from the devastating effects of solitary confinement in prisons. Many states have either eliminated it or taken steps to change it because of its negative impact.
Do you know who first recognized loneliness and isolation as a bad thing? God. After He created Adam, He made the below statement:
“And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”” (Genesis 2:18, emphasis mine)
Interesting that after each time God created something, He said “It is good.” Yet, when he saw that Adam was alone, He said that it wasn’t good. God doesn’t like it when we are alone or feeling disconnected.
So, because God is so good, He created a companion for Adam, a helper. Eve was taken from a rib in Adam’s side – to walk alongside him, help him, be in partnership with him. Connect with him.
Many people ask why they are here on planet earth. The answer is simple. God wanted a family. God wanted to connect with people. We are all here to connect with each other and with God.
And because of Jesus, we all have that opportunity to fellowship with God on the daily – just like Adam and Eve. God visited them in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8) for what? To connect! He didn’t send them a text. He didn’t call them. He walked with them. He spent quality time with them.
God wants us to do the same thing today. He wants us to gather in community, which is why it says in Hebrews 10:25 that we are not to forsake assembling or gathering together, especially in these last days.
Did God know there’d be an epidemic of loneliness? He sure did. Otherwise, why would He tell us to gather regularly? Father knows best!
This week, I’d like to encourage you to meet up with someone for coffee or a walk on the beach. Phones off. Laptops closed. Make a real connection. Have a real conversation.
And consider taking some time to talk with God. He’d love to connect!