Week 32 2013 New Devices

We are blessed with many “toys.”  In fact, one of our close friends once told me that I had too many toys.  Just recently we updated our phones with new iPhones.  These are slick, reliable, pieces of technology that are useful and enjoyable.  Yet, when one breaks it down, they still only provide the basic tools we have always had in our modern world.  Smartphones are telephones that have features we have been able to access in one form or another for many years.  The only thing that’s changed is the ease and convenience.  Because of these those tools are used more frequently and efficiently.  That has been the beauty of technology and human advancement.  Fortunately, we live in a nation where almost everyone has access to these luxuries.

Knowledge of God’s word is more readily available through many “new devices.”  Over the past two centuries archaeological discoveries, along with technological advances, combined with higher literacy rates, have made the will of God more understandable for everyone.  The truth of the Word has always been around, and it hasn’t changed.  I have known Christians who came to a saving knowledge of Christ before they learned to read.  Many of our ancestors received the word from itinerant preachers who were able to read and deliver the message.  Unfortunately, many were dependent on human reasoning outside their own understanding for their comprehension of God’s word.  However, because of the advancements in education, technology, scholarly research, and archaeological discovery, we are not nearly so dependent on fallible human instruction.  Each is able to interpret for themselves through readily available resources the truth of God’s will and nature.

The downside is willing human ignorance.  I cringe when I hear someone proudly proclaim that they are free from technology, because I know how much they are missing.  Even worse, are those who boldly proclaim that they don’t need modern translations and extra-biblical books, software, or other advances, because I realize how they are depriving themselves of much of the meat of the Word.  Truth doesn’t change.  Accessibility to truth, however, does change.  Just as we can choose to not avail ourselves of the benefits offered with new technological devices, we can also choose to stay in the dark ages when it comes to the Bible.  The primary reason for either is laziness.  It takes effort to learn how to use new devices.  Are you willing to be diligent in learning to gain deeper knowledge of God’s truth?