Recently I realized that I am overloaded with methods of communication.
I have 3 mobile phone #s and 2 regular phone #s.
You can also send me an e-mail on one of my 5 e-mail addresses.
If that doesn’t work you can talk to me on Skype or Google talk.
You can also send me a message via facebook, twitter or VK.
Finally, if you really, really wanted to you could mail me a real letter!
Which of those methods are the best?
The answer is none!
A surprise visit last year from grandma and grandpa made a big impression on the kids!
The absolute best method of communication is personal, one on one, old fashion talking face to face!
When we communicate there are literally hundreds of nonverbal cues which are lost in all other forms of communication. Just by looking into the eyes of the person who is talking you can find out a lot.
That’s is why we try to save our deepest and most significant conversations for a time when we can communicate in a personal and real way.
This is also why men don’t (or at least they shouldn’t) propose over the phone or in an e-mail to their future wives! It’s also why the pastor usually tells the couple to face each other when they say their vows.
Face to face communication is best because…
- It takes out the guess work (No guessing about tone)
- It allows the whole person to speak (body language, clothing, etc)
- It proves that you are real person
- It strengthens the bond of the relationship
- It allows people to see what you do and how you do it
When God had something important to say he came and and did it face to face!
The Word became flesh and made it’s dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
The Word (Jesus) became flesh (human) and that made all the difference! He left his home, his position, his glory so that he could step down to earth and talk with man face to face! He taught, he showed and he gave people something they could see, glory in visible form!
Then he told his followers “go and make disciples.”
That’s a job that’s going to require some face to face. Let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that an online discipleship course is all we need! Jesus thought it was worth it to leave heaven to disciples 12 guys. If you and I want to make some disciples we’re also going to have to make some sacrifices.
Fleshing it out
We need to:
- Realize that technology can be a good tool in communication but it will never replace face to face.
- Schedule our life in a way that allows for healthy personal interaction
- Intentionally build relationships offline
- Get out of the house and out of our comfort zone to seek new redemptive relationships
Question: Can you think of a time in your life when a face to face talk made all the difference?
Susie Leavitt
January 24, 2013Oh, Caleb, each post of yours is great! And this is no exception! I agree – face to face communication is the very best. Your examples of God’s face to face communication are rich. John 1:18 NASB – love it! Thank you again for your thoughtful words – important words to hear!
Caleb
January 24, 2013Susie, thanks for your encouragement! I guess living in another country from most of my family makes me feel the importance of face to face communication. Our kids talk a lot to my parents on skype but that just doesn’t can’t match the experience of a visit.
Dan Black
January 24, 2013I could not agree with you more. Face to face communication is the most important and valuable form of communication. Great points and thoughts!
Caleb
January 24, 2013Dan, I think the key is to make sure we are investing in face to face relationships. It’s so easy to retreat to online relationships, which are nice to have but for the most part should serve as a tool to strengthen face to face relationships.
Dan Black
January 27, 2013I totally agree.
Loren Pinilis
January 25, 2013There’s nothing quite like those face to face interactions. I think they certainly have their shortcomings (it’d be hard to get face to face with you when you’re halfway across the world!) but also distinct benefits. To get the tone of your voice, your body language, your attention – that’s great stuff.
Caleb
January 26, 2013Loren you’re right, face to face certainly has its limitations and maybe that is why it is so valuable!.Living half way around the world from most of my family helps me to understand the importance of face to face!