The Word has much to say about the importance of patience–including it being an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). We dare not fail to teach about it and model it. However, as patient priests, we walk in the world of the instant. The Church walks in this world. Those outside of the Kingdom walk in this world.
Gone are the days when we can point to TV dinners as a manifestation of a society lacking patience. Also, gone are the days of using instant mashed potatoes and microwave popcorn as examples of changing times.
We now live life in 140 characters.
How does this new normal affect your leadership style? Your preaching? The way you conduct meetings? Etc.?
At least with TV dinners we had to wait forever–40 minutes for the Salisbury steak and cubed carrots to heat properly.
At least with microwave popcorn we had 2 minutes.
Now it’s Insta this and Snap that, Tweet this and emoticon that. 🙂
The world continues to reduce many attention spans via 6 second videos. Michael Kruger notes 5 ways Facebook may be harming your church. Have you given any thought to life in 140 characters? It’s a culture sculptor that has been with us for a while.
In light of the biblical teachings on patience, are you continuing–as if nothing has changed–to lead ministries, administrate structures and organizations, oversee degree programs, communicate, and work with boards developed for a TV dinner world? Or worse, a pre-TV dinner world?