Kind of like working out online …

“I’m thinking about joining an online gym,” the person quipped.

It sounds funny, but there is some real benefit that can be gained from the many fitness-related websites or online fitness communities. Some good information can be obtained, and interacting with others can be encouraging and help motivate people to better fitness outcomes.

But an online gym can never compete with the results stepping into a real gym can provide. You can have all the information and discussion you want, but until you break a sweat and really exercise, you’ll never achieve any dream for true fitness.

The same goes with the idea of online churches.

There’s much that can be shared via the internet regarding living out the Christian faith. Real connections can be made, real encouragement can be offered, real learning can be accomplished. We certainly cannot say the Apostle Paul writing a letter to one of the churches didn’t have dramatic impact! We study the same letters today as part of the heart of scriptures for the church. Paul writing a letter was his using “modern technology” to continue to interact with local churches during his absence.

But what was one of the great longings of Paul’s heart? To get back to those same churches and minister to them in person. Here’s one example:

“Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy,” 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.

Paul knew he could accomplish a lot with a letter, but he also understood he could do much more in person.

So can we.

The internet and social media can be used in positive and effective ways for the cause of Christ. But they can never rival the level of effect we can have by literally walking into each others lives. Online Christian communities can expand the reach of some of our efforts, but never replace real touch. So use them wisely while making sure you’re an active and committed member of a local body of Christ wherever you are.

Scotty