The Best Social Networking - The One Year Father-Daughter Devotions

The Best Social Networking

Clay tablets. Papyrus paper and ink. Carrier pigeons. Telegrams. Telephones. Greeting cards. Walkie-talkies. Fax machines. E-mail. Text messages. Video calls. Social networks.

Want to send a message to someone? Throughout history, there have been many ways to communicate. Technologies change, but one thing stays the same: people love to feel connected.

In a world where there are so many technological choices on how to communicate, people still get lonely. In fact, some studies show that teenagers are more lonely and self-centered today than at any other point in history. One reason for this loneliness is that nothing can really replace being together with someone. Bonds grow best between people, not over the Internet or phone, but when they’re in the same room . . . face-to-face.

The book of 2 John is one of the shortest in the Bible. In this thirteen-verse letter, John writes “to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth” (v. 1). There is no clear consensus among Christian scholars as to who the “chosen lady” and her children are. Some think it was a personal letter to a family, while others believe John was writing metaphorically about a church of believers. In either case, the ending of the letter remarkably demonstrates an understanding of the power of personal presence in building relationships. John finishes the letter by saying, “I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete” (v. 12).

As we use all the great communication tools that exist today to stay in touch, we should never forget the simple lesson of this statement. The joy of being with each other should never be taken for granted.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Who are some people in your life that are important but not close by? Do you have a way of staying in touch with them regularly using current technologies? Face time is so important in a relationship. If you can, try to surprise a close family member or friend with a personal visit sometime this year.

As you interact with family members and friends nearby, try to see them as much as possible. Facebook and phones are fine. But nothing’s better than a face-to-face visit.

What’s The Word?

I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.   2 John 1:12