Facebook and Instagram are popular ways to keep up with friends and family.  They are also useful tools to brag and/or to feel miserable about the inadequate life you have compared to your friends.  I’m not on Twitter.  Like many people, I see tweets quoted in news stories from the Tweeter in Chief.  This exposure has confirmed my determination not to wade into that mire.

I’m not a Luddite.  There are a lot of advantages to our virtually-connected world.  I especially appreciate on-line reviews.  Before I go to a restaurant for the first time I am sure to check Yelp and Google reviews.  If I am buying something on Amazon, I will read reviews until my eyes water. 

But nothing takes the place of a personal recommendation.  When someone I know tells me about a good experience they had with a car repair shop or a dentist or a restaurant, that counts more with me than all the 5-star reviews they have on Google.

The Gospel of John tells how Andrew met Jesus and then went and told his brother Simon (Peter) that he had found the Messiah.  Similarly, Philip told Nathaniel that he had found the one God had promised.  Good news is not something to keep to yourself. (John 1:40-46)

I think a lot of us keep quiet about what we have found in Christ and what our church means to us because we don’t want to be pushy and obnoxious. 

Good for you!  Show respect for people.  But don’t keep the Good News to yourself. 

We need not be embarrassed to tell our friends that we really like our church and think they might like it too.  An invitation to visit your church is no more an imposition on your friends than a movie recommendation or an enthusiastic comment about a restaurant.   

When people we know have troubles or worries, it’s ok to let them know we will pray for them.  When you do, you can simply say that your faith in Christ has helped you in times of trouble and you know he will help them too. 

Prayer:  Inviting God, empower my witness.  I don’t want to keep the Good News to myself.  Amen.

(Here’s a good way to share the Good News:  Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stmattshamburg/ and share a link to our website http://stmattsucc.org/.  Heard a sermon lately that didn’t put you to sleep?  They are all online; share a link with someone who might get something out of it. http://stmattsucc.org/recent-sermons/)