The other day I was reading the daily devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries that was written by Arlene Pellicane and was about how we spend our time mostly on our phones and tablets these days and not just when we are on our own but also when we are working or socialising with friends and family.
For me I think it is really rude to bring your phone to the table and spend so much time on it instead of talking to the people you are with – even having phones on the table annoys me – they need to be kept in a bag or away from the table. Ok, sometimes I lapse when am with my family and I apologise for that. No one is perfect.
In the devotion, we are told that they are many times recorded in Scripture when Jesus are with people. Granted they didn’t have phones back then, but if they did, can you picture Jesus preoccupied with texting instead of talking? No, I don’t think so. Jesus reclined at the table with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17) lepers (Mark 14:3), Pharisees (Luke 7:36) and close friends (John 12:2). Jesus communed with people, often sharing meals with them. It was the last Passover meal when Jesus introduced what is now known as the Lord’s Supper. As Jesus took the cup and bread and gave thanks. His disciples were paying attention. They were not distracted by taking photos of this pivotal moment in history so they could put it on Facebook, Instagram or putting quotes from Jesus on Twitter.
Arelene Pellicane drew inspiration from the famous words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 and wrote a poem about the need for discernment in this digital age. And when I read it, it struck a chord with me as I am preoccupied with my phone and Kindle – playing games, seeing what people are doing on Facebook, taking pictures when am at concerts or walks – capturing the moment for memories sake.
“There is a time for everything technological,
And a season for every activity under your roof:
A time to take photos and a time to refrain from taking photos,
A time to text and a time for long conversation,
A time to install apps and a time to uninstall apps,
A time to limit and a time to use,
A time to watch funny cat videos and a time to read thoughtfully in a corner,
A time to delay gratification and a time for lavish gifts,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time for Facebook and a time to shut Facebook down,
A time for Skype and a time for getting on an airplane,
A time for digital advances and a time for silent retreat”
So there is a time to text and a time to talk. So I hope we may have the wisdom to tell the difference and know when we should send a text or pick up the phone and have a conversation. Remember sometimes texts can be misconstrued.
No comments:
Post a Comment