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Project Description

[/vc_column_text][kleo_gap][vc_column_text css=””]Conway’s chapter on loneliness was very well done in defining it as a state of mind and how it is created.  Set in the context of his work was revealing, as it supports a “beautiful” benefit of the church’s worth.  Most everyone who we might describe as being “brought up in the church” understands the tight support from its members all across the country.  The value of “hugs” and genuine care connects us individually to a circle that gives us a sense of belonging.  This social connectiveness is extremely important and for a majority of people who are highly vexed, the thought of losing it is unfathomable.

What is ironic is the value we place on a system that really doesn’t fill the vacuum for all.  I would question whether it is all that effective for anyone.   Churches are not family members but social club members who come and go at their appointed times.  Some who recognize their spiritual needs or wants may have a conducive environment for sharing with someone with whom they are at ease but it’s usually outside the four walls of a church building.   Frequently, if individuals are aware of it, they’re never comfortable sharing it with anyone and learn to deal with it by excusing it or ignoring it.   Thus, we find people who are supportive of wherever one is spiritually because of their membership.   Many exchange warm handshakes, friendly smiles, laughter, and hugs while hurting or hypocritically pretending that they are something they are not.

If we want real connectedness of family and transparency, where we are clearly loved (not necessarily supported), the doors of the homes must be open and inviting for saints to gather, share, confess sin, and pray.   Conway points out the truth of loneliness existing while being surrounded by people.   This goes away when connectedness is fundamentally rooted in the relationship of each to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  The horizontal ties between fellow saints are based on our relationship to them.

I’m glad that certain of us who have conscientiously sought the Lord throughout our lives have been encouraged by those hugs and the warm embrace of inviting Christians, but this is not true of all nor does it ensure growth and repentance of sin.  So, while you may call your church members “family,”  it is a substitute that evades accountability and the comforts of materialism and self-centeredness.  The “consumer” would rather “go to church” where they can exchange pleasantries, get some spiritual lessons, even thanking the preacher for stepping on toes, but leave it behind when leaving the meeting house.   That usually includes leaving the brethren behind, also.  These are truly lonely as a vacuum of spiritual needs are left unmet.  They may have friends who share interests in sports, hunting, etc. and are not lonely from a social standpoint.   Yet, many have empty voids in their lives that require some brother or sister to reveal and disturb their complacency.  We need men like Nathan to lovingly tell us, “You are the man” and to hold us accountable.  If we seek this way of life, you will find the solution to many things, including loneliness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][kleo_gap][vc_accordion][vc_accordion_tab title=”Project Details” icon=”minus-circle” icon_closed=”plus-circled”][vc_column_text]I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Client” icon=”minus-circle” icon_closed=”plus-circled”][vc_column_text]I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Request a Quote” icon=”minus-circle” icon_closed=”plus-circled”]

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