Instant gratification takes too long

Are you doubletaking on this title too? This bit of wisdom comes from Carrie Fisher. At first, I just laughed. Great oxymoron. But sit on it for awhile and a nugget or two of insight emerges. Like…

•  This may describe attitudes present in your small group. Continual impatience at the pace of a study. Difficulty balancing listening with contributing. Ever eager to explore the “latest and greatest.”
• You may have group members who believe they are “close” friends with everyone, yet have never actually gone below the surface in those relationships. The instant gratification relationships are quick, but have nothing solid to build upon for the long haul.

Either way, this draw toward the quick, the new, the immediate ends up taking way too long simply because it’s hard to get around to building connections and relationships with substance. It’s a bit like the stop light drag racers. Yeah, you see their tailpipes. Yeah, you usually catch up to them at the next light. All that energy output, and little to show for it.

Is instant gratification gripping your group? A great antidote is to return to your group agreement or covenant.  Particularly focus on the group’s purpose, spiritual health, and spiritual partners. Ask the entire group to review, comment, and evaluate…not necessarily about individuals, but about the group in general. Perhaps you, as the group’s leader, can pair up as spiritual partners for a couple of weeks with an instant gratification member. Pray together. Become better acquainted. Look for ways to understand what might be motivating the instant gratification actions. Can you direct any of that energy into deeper relationships, commitments, or leadership roles within the group?

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