If you’ve followed me at all through the years you probably already know that my favorite author is G.K. Chesterton.  This morning I listened to the reading above.  It is taken from Chesterton’s 1910 book “What’s Wrong with the World.”

The short essay on small talk narrated in the YouTube convicted me of sin.  I can’t name the sin precisely at the moment.  But I know I am guilty of sin with respect to what Chesterton discusses in this essay.

Neighborliness is more important than ever before in Maine.  Us internet bros are addicted to our hot takes.  We need to stop.  Unplug and choose to spend time away from screens with a spouse, a child, a friend or a neighbor.  We need to start this uncomfortable training with asking good questions.  I’ve been developing this tactic.  Choose not to interrupt other people so much.  Choose instead to ask a question when you are tempted to give your opinion, or talk about yourself, or something with which you are familiar.  It works.  You’ll notice almost immediately that you are feeling more human.

This is a kind of charity, or love.

Paul the Apostle observes in his letter to the Christians living in Corinth that we are “nothing” if we have all knowledge and lack charity.  It is easy in our day to think of our knowledge of current events as a leg up on other people.  It can be like an addiction to sex, alcohol or drugs.  We are drawn to scrolling, more knowledge, as a way of relieving boredom or stress.  Paul helpfully goes on in the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians to define love.  He opens describing Christian charity as patient and quickly adds that it doesn’t envy … nor is it puffed up.

Maybe you’re like me, feeling convicted.  Let’s help one another.

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