Somewhere around 1990, my company at the time made it’s first leap into the world of technology and bought its first computer. Those were different times, and it might be hard for some to even imagine, but at that time most small businesses did not have computers. So, it was somewhat normal when we had our computer delivered and set-up, that it was done by the representative who would also provide several hours of training on the computer.
As that computer rep started to work with the person who had setup all the filing systems in our office and had everything neat and flowing smoothly, he kept saying “now let’s not reinvent the wheel!” He of course, was meaning that we’re not doing anything new, just trying to make what you’ve been doing faster and more efficient and easier…But, making those initial changes were hard and it sure didn’t seem like that computer would make things faster and easier, but eventually it did.
About three years after that first computer, I bought a one-year-old truck that came with a “bag phone” – one of the first cell phones! I got it connected (and by the way, that phone had incredible sound quality), but my first cell plan gave me only 30 minutes a month! And if you went over that 30 minutes the additional charge was more than $1.00 per minute! That phone was definitely for urgent calls only!
Lately I’ve been hearing how “man” is getting close to achieving “super intelligence”. But as the definition is described it does not come from years of learning and studying…it all comes from electronic devices-computers, tablets, phones, watches, eyeglasses and more.
I wonder…are we trying to reinvent the wheel?
“History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually, it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 (NLT)
I remember before that first computer, I used to know all the names, addresses and phone numbers-by memory of all of our customers, well over 100 at that time. Once I was able to rely on the computer for the information, much of it started to leave my memory. The same thing happened to me when I put contact information in my “smart phone”. Now I’m not sure if I know anyone’s phone number by memory!
Now please don’t think I’m complaining about technology…I just love calling “customer service” and usually they can help me because almost instantly all my information can be “brought up” in front of the person I’m talking with and problems can be taken care of so quickly. And as I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, I really enjoy the convivence of my bible app and all the various versions and different things I can look up but…if I go very long without regular reading from the bible that I used for years…I will fail to see the special notations I made in it and the cross references for other verses. Many of those verses helped me through some of the toughest times of my life.
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11 (NLT)
So whether you prefer to read God’s Word on your electronic device or you still prefer to read out of a bible, the important thing is don’t neglect doing it!
Super intelligence using devices may seem like a great idea…but CHRIST IS STILL THE ANSWER!
Till Next Time…..
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