Brace yourselves, and be prepared for seeming inconsistent reasoning. I would like to argue that online communities, such as this blog host, are cheap and fake imitators of a real blessing from God. I am not arguing against online communications or friendships. But the tendency leans toward taking this good thing and replacing an even better thing with it. Introducing online Church and Christian communities. You can stay in the comfort of your home (don't worry about cleaning), and fellowship with the body abroad online. The advantages are numerous. People can see you just as you are, with your fashion profile pic (the one with perfect hair), and the description you wrote yourself from the depths of your heart (the one that is deceitful above all things). You don't have to worry about being misunderstood as a sinner in need of grace, or having to forgive and forbear with one another. After all, friend lists are editable. And if your schedule is tight, don't worry you can download messages in real time, any time.
As Christians we are called to be friends and to be hospitable. We are to not 'forsake the assembling of one another together.' That is a physical command that requires getting out of our Lazyboys, starting the car in cold, and going to meet with other Christians. It doesn't take much effort to love someone who isn't anywhere near you. Effort is required of us. But it is not merely an effort of duty. We gather together in obedience and in joy. It is for our own good, and for the good of those we endeavor to share our lives with.
It is a mucky business getting to know other people. They are sinful, spiteful, and hurtful. They step on toes, and push buttons. And if we look carefully we see ourselves in them, and love them as Christ loved us. In the obedience, we grow in grace, and by the power of God, so do they.
Hospitality and fellowship in the here and now are blessings from God to build and strengthen the Church. Such tools and means of grace, when reduced to convenient and comfortable size, become a slap in the face of the Almighty Creator God.
He has pleased to call us to feast on real food and to fellowship with real people in a real world.
