Rabbi Simeon said, "If three have eaten at one table and have not spoken words of Torah there, it is as if they had eaten sacrifices offered to the dead, for of such persons it is said, for all tables are full of filthy vomit, they are without the All-Present. But, if three have eaten at one table, and have spoken words of Torah there, it is as if they had eaten at the table of the All-Present, blessed be He, as it is said, this is the table before the L-RD." - Mishnah: Avoth 3:3
Challenging words, to be sure, but no less thought provoking. When was the last time you engaged a group of friends or loved ones in a discussion about the things of G-d in a casual setting? It really can be the most incredible time and is often extremely edifying to all in attendance. I don't think we get enough opportunities to hear each other's hearts on these important things. We must actively create environments for the exchange of ideas to flourish. In contrast, I've thought many times about missed, or wasted opportunities to speak about the things of G-d with those I care about. How many hours a day do we spend pursuing idleness - in our thoughts, our speech, our actions? I'd like to hear your ideas on this topic (and I know you have some).
Until then, Shabbat Shalom, friends.
Shalom Luke,
ReplyDeletebrother i believe it is most important to always have HaShem's will in topic. What does the Scripture say?
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. - Deut.6:6,7
There are enough distractions and worldly affairs to attend to, we must steadfast in 'the walk'!
Yes, excellent reference. I sought to be very intentional this past weekend in remaining mindful of the many distractions vying for my attention (but not distracted!) and had some excellent discussions with loved ones in turn.
ReplyDeleteIt's very sad, and increasingly more so, how many are seemingly ensnared by facebook and similar things that are designed to maintain the illusion of relationships but actually only further deteriorate the bonds between us, in my opinion. Anyway, that's another topic altogether, but I agree with you completely that we must actively remain steadfast in our walk - not distracted. We must also forcibly make time for the things of G-d by evaluating the other things in our daily routine that have the ability to become idols. I'm currently going through this, understanding it to be so very important, and even more so as that day approaches.
yes i agree. Facebook can be very distracting. I had to pull back big time from facebook. I was using it for the opportunity to speak about subjects of Torah and at the same time let my friends hear me speak of the Creator of the world, to get them thinking (planting seeds). But i had to really stay out of empty discussions that don't lead anywhere, rather than wasting time on facebook i can actually be learning Torah, and baring fruit. We must do everything in our power to stay on task, for we can all hear the footsteps of Moshiach!
ReplyDelete(Rey)
And see, I'm sure there are some great things coming out of facebook and sites like it. Conversations about G-d (and planting seeds), reunited friends and family are obviously great examples of this. I would have to think, though, that all of the good that comes from it is miniscule in comparison to all of the wasted time, opportunities for sin and gossip, identity theft issues, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's like anything else really, though. Facebook is really just a microcosm of the internet in general. It's a concentrated form of it in a way. Believers definitely need to represent there, just as they do elsewhere online, but what makes "social" sites so dangerous, in my opinion, is that they actually counterfeit relationships - and, in that way, are anti-social. They cater to people's laziness in maintaining important relationships. It's far easier to just send some blanket statement out to all your "friends" than it is to call people or meet with them to talk, pray together or actually spend any other form of quality time. How many can honestly say that their relationships have improved from using it? Sure, they appear to have more "friends" but is any of that real? Is it not an simple issue of quantity over quality?
Everything there is equal (and, sometimes, that means equally unimportant). People announce births, weddings, other special events, inane ramblings, sensitive information, gossip, etc. all the same. They wish their friends "Happy Birthday" with nothing more than a text message, essentially, and do so only because facebook reminded them. It's just sad to me.
Call me old fashioned, but I just see things like that as the dumbing down of society and relationships, not the enriching of them. Even if millions think it harmless, it is an idol waiting to happen - and already in place in the lives of many, I believe.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteBrother i agree 100%! I'm not sure of the percentage but Facebook is ranked i'm not sure exactly how high, but it was up there... in the leading cause for divorce! I believe it, for the amount of trash that is on there. I don't need extra temptation in my life.
One aspect of it that i really hate is the gossip and how nosy are society really is. You are right that the good of Facebook does not compare with the bad, it is heavily outweighed.
I mean, how could it not be a major cause of divorce? It's practically designed to remove people from real life.
ReplyDeleteI was very happy to hear from someone today that told me they were deleting their account after reading our discussion. That's beautiful! Thanks so much for your input, Rey!
Bringing it back to topic, and in case someone is getting upset by my bashing of facebook, anything that takes us away from the things of G-d is idolatry. Anything. Period.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteI would hope that everyone makes there own decisions on this important topic, that it be G-d who is speaking to the heart.
This has been a fruitful discussion in deed, and i hope that folks don't think that we are bashing Facebook but just stating some facts.