Sunday afternoon my husband came into the room where I was seated and handed me the Parade Magazine from the Sunday paper.

“Here’s the invention that will answer many church go-er’s prayers!”

It was this…

 

It’s a WiFi-Enabled Slow Cooker!  Now if you’re in church and the preacher is going a little longer than you’d anticipated and the pot roast you put in the crock pot is going to be ruined, you can change the setting or stop the cooking process to ensure you will not be having a burnt sacrifice for Sunday dinner!

“We’re living in the day of the Jetson’s, Hon!” my husband touted as he made his way out of the room.

It’s unbelievable, isn’t it when you think about all the things technology can do?! A camera in the fridge can let me know if I need more milk.  Alexa, is ready at our beck and call to turn on the coffee maker, adjust the heat in the house, update us on the weather, or play a game of Twenty Questions! The robotic vacuum keeps the house clean, and any number of apps on our phones can handle every other detail of our lives!

Well, almost…

Since I’d had the stomach flu over the weekend, I missed church on Sunday.  But again, due to the blessing of  technology, I could “sit in” on our live-streamed service via Facebook!  I had my Bible, notebook, and cup of hot tea all set while I sat comfortably in a chair in my bedroom.  I got to listen to the sermon, and almost felt as though I was right there, except there was one huge piece of the picture that was missing –

all the other members of the Body.

I was alone.  I could pray when they prayed, and even say, “amen,” and listen while my husband preached, but

• To whom would I turn afterwards and greet, and ask how I might pray with them?
• What visitor would I meet and welcome there and show them where to find a small group to join?
• How could I notice one who was missing from our normal gathering of members whom I might reach out to and check on this week?
• How could I invite guests to come home and fellowship with us?
• How could I use my spiritual gifts here with just my black and white cat sleeping soundly at my feet?

Technology might bring the church service to me, but technology can never replace the Church.  In fact, nothing can.  It’s God’s tool in this dispensation for accomplishing His redemptive work!

We miss so much when we’re not there.  For many that can’t attend church due to chronic illness, this is a great blessing, and I’m thankful that genius people can provide such a tool for them.  But I also know this – When I am able to go, I need to take advantage of it.  I need my Church and it needs me.

Technology can never replace my church!

Are you plugged into a local body where you can grow, be discipled, use your gifts, serve, encourage, pray and bless others?  If you’re a believer, it’s  your blessing to enjoy all that and more! 

Lovingly,