Technology, Upgrading, and the Simplicity of God
With some things, upgrading is good. With other things, it's not.
Who doesn't appreciate the change from dial-up to DSL? Or a gasoline-electric hybrid that gets 47.5 average mpg? But unfortunately for our society, an increase in technology makes our lives more complicated, and often more difficult. Technology is bringing a wave of changes not just in electronics and innovations, but in morality and values.
Sometimes, simple is better.
You may appreciate e-mail for its speed and convenience (and that you don't have to pay for stamps), but if you've written and received real ink on real paper in a real hand-addressed envelope recently, you know that there's something special about handwriting, stamps, and knowing someone cares about you enough to take the time to write you.
You may not think about the fact that most suburban houses have little or no front porch, but if you've ever sat on one drinking lemonade with someone who's not in a hurry, you may get a gnawing feeling that it's not the same without it.
You may never wish that you didn't have a cell phone or an iPOD, but you may have forgotten what it's like to have peace and quiet.
I'm not advocating throwing away technology or becoming Amish (no offense to Amish people -- you may be happier than us). However, I am suggesting that you simplify your life, keep a list of priorities, and carefully consider every change that you make. Limit distractions. Scrutinize your motives. Care about people.
And most of all, know that God is simple, and there's no complicated road to get from here to where we most want to be.
Who doesn't appreciate the change from dial-up to DSL? Or a gasoline-electric hybrid that gets 47.5 average mpg? But unfortunately for our society, an increase in technology makes our lives more complicated, and often more difficult. Technology is bringing a wave of changes not just in electronics and innovations, but in morality and values.
Sometimes, simple is better.
You may appreciate e-mail for its speed and convenience (and that you don't have to pay for stamps), but if you've written and received real ink on real paper in a real hand-addressed envelope recently, you know that there's something special about handwriting, stamps, and knowing someone cares about you enough to take the time to write you.
You may not think about the fact that most suburban houses have little or no front porch, but if you've ever sat on one drinking lemonade with someone who's not in a hurry, you may get a gnawing feeling that it's not the same without it.
You may never wish that you didn't have a cell phone or an iPOD, but you may have forgotten what it's like to have peace and quiet.
I'm not advocating throwing away technology or becoming Amish (no offense to Amish people -- you may be happier than us). However, I am suggesting that you simplify your life, keep a list of priorities, and carefully consider every change that you make. Limit distractions. Scrutinize your motives. Care about people.
And most of all, know that God is simple, and there's no complicated road to get from here to where we most want to be.
posted by Luke at 6:51 PM
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