Techno-question
by Deborah P. Brunt |
In the world of
techno-gadgets, what do we desperately need but rarely value?
We can argue all
day about whether we actually need
techno-gadgets and, if so, which tops the "Most Needed" list. But that's not
what I'm asking. Maybe a story would explain.
One day, I walked
into a cell phone store with a mission and walked out with a new Blackberry.
Mission accomplished? Yes - and no. I had what I'd come to get, but didn't yet
know how to work it.
My new cell
phone/mini-computer had so many functions I didn't know what to do. Along with
learning how to make phone calls, I intended to explore other ways to tap into
the power of this technological wonder.
That evening at
home, I walked through the "setup wizard," read the "Getting Started Guide" and
even, as the sales person had recommended, visited a website with tutorials.
Hours passed,
sometimes pleasant, often frustrating. Refusing to be overwhelmed, I pressed
on.
Then, it happened. I
was agonizing over whether to record a new voice mail message. A recorded female
voice had just offered me three options, none of which sounded correct. While I
pondered, she asked, "Are you there?" - and began repeating the three choices.
In desperation, I hit the "escape" key.
Suddenly, the
two-inch screen dissolved into a series of lines resembling college-ruled notebook
paper. Then, the image rolled a couple of times - and quit working.
Had I killed my new
phone? What button would revive it? Would mouth-to-speaker resuscitation help?
As I pondered these
and other questions, my new gadget rang. Pushing the appropriate key, I
answered and talked. Then, hanging up, I dialed our home phone number. It rang.
My blackberry still
worked. Indeed, I suspect that every function still worked - except one. Yet without
that one, I couldn't access the other functions. I couldn't even tell whether
the thing was turned on. Alas, still in its infancy, my display had died.
In the world of
techno-gadgets, what do we desperately need but rarely value? I'd suggest: The
screen.
The screen makes
what is invisible, visible. It bears images showing what's inside. It accesses significant,
multi-faceted power. Without the display on that screen, the power can't be
tapped nor the purposes accomplished.
So now, I'm asking:
In the spiritual world - the world many scoff and we Western Christians fear,
yet all of us find ourselves inexorably drawn toward - what do we desperately
need but rarely value?
Jesus prayed for it
just before going to the cross. In John 12:27-28, he said, "Right now I am storm-tossed. And what
am I going to say? 'Father, get me out of this'? No, this is why I came in the
first place. I'll say, 'Father, put your glory on display.'"
Desperately, we
need displays of glory. Glory makes
what is invisible, visible. It reveals God - not who we've thought him to be,
but who he really is. Glory accesses
his power and purposes.
Repeatedly, we've
seen displays of evil. Stark images showing depravity's power are forever
engraved on all our minds. Week after week, we watch wickedness destroy whom it
will in our communities and around the world - as TV screens, computer screens and
even smart phone screens display it.
By comparison, the
power, truth and goodness of God seem weak, tepid, even absent. Is God missing
in action? Or is he waiting for us to ask what Jesus asked?
"Father, put your glory on display."
When my blackberry
screen died, I didn't just make do, trying as best I could to access a few
basic functions. I refused to settle for something that promised a display,
that required a display, but didn't give it. Immediately, I asked for - and received
- a Blackberry with screen that could be seen.
Now, repeatedly, I
see and access what I never would have believed possible.
|
. . . . . . .
|
Key truths for living life
not as a religious Christian, but as a friend of God
- Perspective - snapshots of life: find yourself in the picture; find God there.
- Key Truths - exposing what's religious; exploring what's God.
Kisses of Sunshine for Women, by Carol Kent & Thelma Wells: 50 devotionals stories by multiple authors, sounding a profound call of hope for women. Available at keytruths.com, Resources for living life, not as a religious Christian, but as a friend of God. Email or preference changes: If you already subscribe to Perspective: Change your email address or subscribe to Key truths, Open gates, by clicking on the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this email.
|
|