“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the
flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is
from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but
whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
1 John 2:15-17 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/1jn.2.15-17.esv
Sometimes I think we live in one of the most difficult times. It’s because the
temptations of this World so abounded. The Internet and other
“advancements” are filled with worldly, fleshly desires. Technology has allowed
us to feed our fleshly desires more than at any other time. I think of it this way.
Imagine how people lived in Hawaii or in Canada 200 years ago. Life was simple
and focusing on God was easier. We lived day to day and our focus was on the
basics; Ohana, God, and survival. We had time to reflect on our spiritualism as
we weren’t distracted by a multitude of voices ranging from opinion to
advertisements to politics. Our stress was limited to meeting the basic needs of life.
We focused more on our neighborhoods than pondering what is happening in
another part of the world.
When times were simple, our span of knowledge was much easier to remain
focused. I am often reminded of what Jesus said with regard to knowledge:
“But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a
light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him, much will be required,
and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
Luke 12:48 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/luk.12.48.esv
With technology, we know much, are given much, and are tempted often. We
know about those suffering throughout this world. Our temptations to amass
stuff is higher than at any other time in history. Many movies are filled with
multiple sins that are simply pawned off as entertainment. Our focus on money
and wealth sometimes crosses the line to being “lovers of money.” We are
tempted to keep pace with our neighbors instead of keeping peace with our
neighbors.
Yes, sometimes I wished I lived in a much simpler time. I think it would make my
journey with Christ easier. The lack of technology would force me to zero in on
what’s truly important in this world. Yes, sometimes advancements are actually
regressions.
I am reminded of what Paul said:
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,
who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/1co.15.56-58.esv
Even though the race will be riddled with technological sideshows, my focus to
Continuing the marathon will make me victorious.
On a positive note, if one stays focused, one can use technology to do God’s
Will. They can better share the gospel and perhaps, in a small way, make a few
lives better no matter where they live. I suppose the key here is to remain
focused no matter what advancements do to try to derail God’s mission.
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
