It’s hard to believe, I know, but Jesus didn’t have Twitter. If, perhaps, you are Twitter-deficient, like myself, let me explain. This tech-tool, basically, allows you to let your friends, or anyone else for that matter, know where you are and what you are doing at all times if you so choose to tell them via Twitter.
For those who have Twitter, happy twittering. But don’t be surprised when people show up at your table on date night with your spouse because you went to the bathroom to Twitter about it. “Sure, Bob, pull up a chair. Honey, you remember Bob don’t you?”
Personally, I don’t want Twitter. I spend too much time, as it is, trying to get away from people. Sometimes you just want to go where everybody doesn’t know your name, and they’re not always glad you came. I want to be where people don’t see that my troubles are the same. I just want to go where everyone doesn’t know my name. (My appreciation to the fine folks who wrote the theme song for “Cheers,” which inspired this adapted version in the previous paragraph)
Seriously though, I do think it is important for us to disengage at times. In our overly-connected world, it seems the paradox is that we tend to be too connected, but not connected enough. In other words, we long for connection with other people, but we miss connecting with God in those intimate, and quiet moments. Perhaps the best role model is Jesus Himself. The Scriptures say that Jesus withdrew. He left the crowds. He disconnected so that He could connect with His Father. And if Jesus needed those times, even longed for those moments, then we should do the same.
So my challenge to us all who have a hard time disconnecting from the tyranny of the tech world, be twitter-less and know that He is God.
I love the idea of disconnect. It is very appealing and definitely refreshing.
I think balance is required to maintain sanity and sensitivity in this high tech world.
But high tech can also be high touch. I’ve been teaching a seminar on blogging and microblogging here in Glorieta this week.
Twitter has some incredibly useful applications for campus ministries and churches. It’s an amazing way to inform as many people as you need to in literally less than 5 seconds.
Consider a ministry Twitter ID. You can post short devotional thoughts. Announcements. Plan changes. Prayer requests. All with a text message or through the website.
It doesn’t have to come to your phone as a text message if you don’t want it to. Options are available through the site.
Here’s my online “handout.”