mgpcpastor's blog

I wrote this week’s pastor’s column for The Border Watch, Mount Gambier’s local newspaper:

The recent cancellation of our WIN television news was distressing on a couple of levels. The abrupt and unpublicised manner of the decision’s implementation seems to indicate little more than a shocking contempt for our local community by the WIN network, (though we believe that lack of regard is not shared by those employed here at a local level). A second, and more ongoing, source of distress is caused by the loss of local relationships and personal connections which the news service helped maintain.
I know folk who are not able to avail themselves of local news by reading this paper themselves, and for whom watching or even listening to the TV news service was vital in enabling them to feel part of the community. Its absence makes it that much harder for some to feel connected with others, a vital aspect of our human nature.
The need for connections with other people is the primary reason why various online social networks have gained such popularity. It’s wonderful to be able to keep some form of contact with loved ones, friends and acquaintances who may be a long way away. Just being able to briefly read a comment or see a picture helps us feel connected with those absent. We’re able to feel a part of their life’s progress, though often times we are not.
Sometimes, though, these distant fragments of not-quite relationship encourage us to turn away from the relationships around us. That’s because carrying out an absentee relationship with someone we’re not with will generally be easier than maintaining a relationship with those with us full time. Idealising online acquaintances as our standard for successful relationships will only see real life relationships seem difficult, unsatisfying and distant.
We come to envy the happy and successful updates we observe of others, almost believing that’s what their life is like all the time, and compare that with our mundane and challenging life here. How easy it is to think “If only my life could be like (insert name here)’s, they’ve got life sorted out.” This sort of thinking works best with those with whom you don’t have lots of personal contact. The better you know someone the more you’ll come to realise how much their life has hurts, challenges and frustrations all of its own.
God knows that we are made for personal relationships. Jesus coming as a human among humans demonstrates that the relationships which God desires us to have are personal. The fullness of our humanity must be both given and received in community with others. The Easter season, with its themes of crucifixion, death and resurrection remind us of God’s purpose to create community with us through Jesus.
In contrast to communities which rise and fall around us, God offers a lasting, an eternal, community with Him. A community which corporation, infirmity, distance or time can never take away.