Mike’s Musings …
The “Old Fashioned Ways” Still Work
Several of you are aware of the continuing saga of “Davis and the Internet.” I’ve never been a tremendous fan of the system, but like most since the early 1990s, I’ve grown to understand its necessity in a technologically geared world. When it works, it does hasten the conclusion of several tasks. But when it doesn’t work, apparently every business and agency will stop dead in its tracks, including the “customer service” departments that are supposed to help resolve all issues with such modern devices. This past week proved all those theories incorrect, and so, as suggested, my laptop computer has now been retrofitted to become a high-priced typewriter!
It seems strange to me how “modernization” consistently depends on the “old-fashioned ways” when technology fails. When cell phones stop working, necessary contacts are handled either in person or by written letters. When Google stops working, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other resource books are used. Even in other realms of modernization, “old-fashioned ways” still work as when electricity is gone, candles and oil lamps still work; when cars don’t operate, walking is still available. But most of the world remains so inseparably joined to technology that when it stops, they stop! I find that simply appalling and useless in way of excuse for failing to complete what must be done to continue serving God!
Yes, unfortunately, even among the faithful there seems to be a tethering to modernization that ought never to be in the first place! Mind you, I have no objections to the Internet, automobiles, electricity, etc., and the modern devices originating from the existence of such technology. My opposition is the tethering to them in such a way as to end all progress in the necessary work of the Lord when such devices fail us! Sermons can still be preached without PowerPoint; we can endure some heat (or cold) if the “comfort system” fails. We can use candles or flashlights if electricity fails us. We can even walk to services if necessary! But there is NEVER a time a “cancel” them because of some failure in modern technology!
I muse on the examples of the ancients, and even the examples of those saints less than three generations ago so who endured extreme hardships but refused to let them interfere with their service to God! (Heb. 11:32 – 40) For some, even health issues would not prevent their assembling with the saints (health issues that posed no problems for others.) We must ask: Are we stronger or weaker than the “old-fashioned ways” that still work for God?