Poverty

Pastor Richard just got back from Africa. He blogs about his realization of relational poverty in America. I think he is right. People in the states are continuously bombarded with distraction. Even if you are conscientious of it, there is still plenty of distraction from all the omnipresent technology that surrounds us, so we have to make it a priority to focus on a single thing.

Relationships require time and they require communication. It is hard to communicate if you are distracted.

Relational Poverty - In what ways?

Sideways Man to Man - We shelter ourselves most of the time so that we don't have to be vulnerable with each other. "I'm fine" is our response when asked how we are doing. For men, we don't want to be weak and show too much emotion. We build our fortresses so that we are well defended from the world.

Up Man to God - As humans, I think that we personify God. Not purposefully as a limiter, but rather so that we can understand him in a relate-able way. Can you conceptualize the infinite? I can't, most of the time I approximate with something large, but finite. So, if we don't relate well to other people, it will be hard to relate with God too.

Down Man to Nature - The first charge of Man in Genesis is to care for nature. I would say we are not doing well here either. Just look around when you are outside.