Your Computer vs Your Relationships

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

'Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Numerous times in both my personal and professional life, I have experienced this, but today I realized the similarity between this frequently occurring "thing" and our human relationships.

What is that "thing" I am referring to?

The COMPUTER and everything associated with it...  Technology in general!

When I came to work this morning and attempted to log on as always to my desktop computer, it read: Not connected” and it showed a picture of a heart that was broken. I am sure many of you have experienced the same thing with your desktops, laptops, mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, etc.).   

You know right there and then, I realized that...this is the situation in so many lives. Our main text above speaks to marriage, friendship, family relationships.  These relationships are oftentimes being broken or severed "no longer connected" for one reason or the other.  In divorce proceedings, you will hear the attorney or couples telling the judge that due to irreconcilable differences, the marriage has been dissolved.  Sad, isn't it?   When your computers or devices are not connecting, the Internet isn't responding, all kinds of technical issues is going on, what do you do?  You get frustrated right, if you are at work or school, you contact your IT department, technical support to try to figure out what is causing the disconnect, and then the issue is eventually resolved that day hopefully!

Consider this: do you tend to abandon efforts to resolve a computer problem quickly? Are you eager to dispose of or discard the device? If your response to these questions is “No,”

So why do we quickly abandon quality human relationships? Why can't we put in the effort to nurture them like we do with the devices we use every day? Aren't our personal and professional relationships more significant than a mere "thing," a non-living object? Yes, our devices are crucial for our daily lives, but they can't be compared to our relationships. Our God is a God of relationships and companionship, and He created us not only to worship Him but also to live life together, fostering fellowship and healthy interactions. So, I ask again, why are we so eager to discard our human relationships?

Friends, let's reconsider how we treat each other. It's important to value our families, friendships, marriages, and other relationships highly. Let's aim to build and sustain these valuable connections. There are times when, despite our efforts to maintain certain relationships, the desired outcomes aren't achieved. That's okay, it happens. As long as you've done your best and sought the Lord's guidance, it's time to let go and allow God to take control. In some unique situations, the Lord might be guiding you to distance yourself from someone for a purpose. If that's the case, trust that He will reveal it to you somehow. You need to be attentive to what is happening in your relationships and sensitive to His voice and guidance. He will surely communicate with your spirit.

So, what is the message I want to convey to all of us as we begin a new month and are now five months into 2025?

• Defend your sacred marriages.

• Treasure your relationships.

• Work towards reconciling with those who have hurt you, and vice versa. (If its a toxic relationship, then forgive and keep person(s) at arm's length).

• Show greater appreciation for the people in your life.

• Seize every chance to express how much the people in your life mean to you.

Meanwhile, be aware of the types of relationships you are involved in. While you cannot choose your family or relatives, you can select your friends, spouses, and colleagues. Regardless of the relationship type, seek wisdom from the Lord in managing them. For relationships that seem toxic and harmful to your life, let go of them as previously mentioned, maintain your distance, and let God take control of everything.

Please share your thoughts and any questions you may have in the comments section. I would love to hear from you. If you don't have an account, you can comment as a guest without needing to register.

I remain yours in the faith,

Margaret (MKO)

Original post written Dec 18, 2019

Edited May 1, 2025