Mike’s Musings …
Saved to the Cloud
Recently, the operating system on my computer “updated,” apparently making it necessary for me to save things to “the cloud.” I’d rejected that update for more than a year as I like keeping things where I can find them (well, at least on my computer that’s true.) But I suppose these updates are like other changes we old folks must get used to, like them or not. Frankly, I can’t always find “the cloud” in which my documents and pictures are “saved,” and further, I’m not comfortable with something I can’t control having control of my possessions! In some mysterious fashion, I feel like I’m being spied upon, and my personal information is being used by someone desiring my ruin instead of my benefit. Therefore, I don’t put anything on this computer I’m ashamed of or that I need to keep private. If “the cloud” wants to review my sermons, read my articles, and peruse my communication with other brethren concerning their soul’s concerns, then fine; whoever controls “the cloud” might learn something of spiritual value in the process and be benefitted thereby.
But when I read Hebrews 4:13, I find something much more serious regarding He Who sees and controls my things of greatest value. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” Whether I want God to see it or hear it or know it regarding my words and deeds (or lack thereof), He knows, and it is retained in His “cloud” unless I repent of the errors (1 John 1:5 – 10). As for the good I may do, the Hebrew writer says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10) Which of the two would you rather He save in His “cloud?”
I muse on how much of our “personal information” is truly “private” in any social media device. Regardless of what “securities” you have, someone somewhere has the capability of “hacking” into it if they so desire. Every company offering “security protection” must constantly upgrade their products, and they have gurus constantly researching what additional securities they need to create. But with God, I’ve no worries! I know He knows more about me than I’m often willing to admit to myself! Therefore, it behooves me to earnestly heed Paul’s inspired directive that says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) James adds this thought: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (1:25) How safe are your valuables in God’s cloud?