This Sunday, I am preaching about loneliness and our lack of close relationships.

One thing I do not address is our desire to remain distant. While it is easy to say we would like to have people close to us, it is also less intrusive to keep them at a distance.

It is much easier to fool people and make them think you have your life together and are a committed believer, great spouse, or parent at a distance.

Use a few of the correct phrases, and people will think you are growing as a Christian. Be seen in a few of the right places, and people will believe your relationships are strong. Post a few of the best pictures on social media, and the charade is complete.

For many of us, the question is not, “Do I want close friends?” Instead, it is, “Do I want to let people get to know the real me?”