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These are all of the articles tagged with the keyword "connectivity".
Blessing and bane of cell phones
Posted: April 21, 2008
Category: Pastor Steve's Blog
Comments: 0 Comments
TAGS: cell phones, connectivity, hurried lifestyle
Cell phones have changed our lives drastically. There was a day that you went off to work, ran an errand, or went to a ball game and no one could reach you during the time you were driving, shopping, or enjoying a game. We thought nothing of being out for two to three hours and no one could reach us. The pagers came along and they would buzz and beep on our belts. Of course, you had to be able to get to a phone to call someone back. If you didn’t call back for an hour or two, it was because you were unable to call right back. More expectations, but not the idea of immediate contact.
I remember a few years ago when I showed up at a meeting with a cell phone. The pastors scoffed at the idea that I had one of these devices and wondered what I was up to my interest in a “cell phone.” The next time we met, they all asked if they could use it to call their wives during the 5 days we were together and at some point….they all began to carry their own phones. I can’t find them anymore without calling their cell phone. Now we have cell phones. Not just a few of us either. Most everyone carries a cell phone 24/7.
With the blessing of having the ability to stay in touch with our work, family, and friends, comes the bane of being available for our work, family and friends. People are never away from work. Go to the airport and everyone is discussing business before they get on the plane. You walk through the mall and the person who appears to be talking to you are really discussing some office problem on their blue-tooth microphone. Look around at a ballgame sometime and notice how many people are talking on the phone (or texting if they are under the age of 24) while watching the game.
The phone becomes a problem with the opportunity for contact becomes an expectation for immediate conversation. I find that I can’t take a shower, work out for a few minutes, or simply forget to turn the phone off of vibrate mode without finding several “missed calls” and many voice mails asking “where are you?” and “call me quick.” We’re on call all the time. You can’t ignore a phone call, even if it’s an unknown number….it might be a loved one calling from a strangers cell phone because they locked their phone and keys in the car. (that’s a blessing)
I do have to say though…I’m glad that God is on call all the time. He not only answers, but He desires to be called upon. He knows what we need, but He’s anxious for us to call Him anyway. If it was me…I’d be tired of the whole thing. I’d wonder why some don’t call more often…or why they only call in trouble. But, He never tires of the calls and never changes His mind about saying “Call on me.” Also, no busy signals…and never a situation of being “out of a signal area.” When we go through Bane and Blessings…He is ready and He listens.
I have no answer for the right use of phones…but God’s call to prayer never ceases…in fact He says to call(pray) without ceasing.
