Social Fabrications

“If we live in the light, we have fellowship with each other.” (1 John 1:7a ERV)

Have you noticed how junk food leaves you craving more while healthy food rarely does? Foods that are bad for you are often higher in calories and induce overeating. It’s a double whammy of setbacks. 

I can eat a bowl of potato chips and still feel unsatisfied, while a plain baked potato makes me feel full. Of course, the latter is boring compared to the former--which points to the fact that I am looking for amusement in my food, not nourishment. 

Certain social groups can have a similar, double whammy effect. The fellowship feels pleasurable, but unsatisfying. They drain resources of time, energy, and authenticity--but leave you craving something more. Gatherings of relatives, friends, coworkers, congregations, sporting events, concerts, political rallies, etc., can be exciting. Group settings allow you to believe that you have things in common with others, that you are not weird, that you are not alone.  These social fabrications can be amusing, but rarely nurturing. 

Authentic communion is fulfilling. The connection is organic, open, loving, joyful, and accepting.There is nothing artificial about it--no dark motives, no pretense, no fake pleasantries, no hierarchies, no snide put-downs, no showing off, no ego-stroking, no spectacle, no mind games, no power struggles. True fellowship is also rare, because it requires commitment and consistency. This is hard to swallow for those who are accustomed to a steady diet of superficial, social fabrications. Sincere connections enable us to glimpse intangible realities. When we live in the light of authenticity, we realize that everything and everyone is unified in God.