The new Apple iPhone 5 has been announced and before it has even hit the shelves it is already outdated. Apple is probably already working on the iPhone 6 and next year they will be telling everyone why we need that one.
I am into my gadgets and so this blog comes from an insider perspective. I own an iPhone 4 and am actually considering an upgrade primarily because I can sell my old one and the upgrade won’t cost much because my contract is up with AT&T.
But the hype about new Apple, new Samsung, new Nokia, new whatever products is always a let down. On a surface level, this new iPhone doesn’t have that much new that commends it, but there is a deeper level of dissatisfaction with stuff that causes a craving for more, better, faster, brighter . . . Even to the degree that people are already disappointed that this new one doesn’t have ENOUGH new features!
We are (myself included) a bunch of spoiled brats. We have Internet everywhere, but it isn’t fast enough. We have a couple vehicles per family (including SUV’s, Pickup trucks and minivans), but we complain about the cost of gasoline. We live in a culture of novelty, entertainment, gadgets, video games, sports, and hundreds of channels, but there just isn’t anything on TV tonight!
The stuff of this world will not satisfy. If we worship stuff, it enslaves us in a never ending cycle of needing more and more . . . Upgrades, updates, faster processors, more megapixels, and accessories to accessorize our accessories! We are a culture that makes idols out of things that cannot satisfy.
In my text this week for Sunday the apostle Paul says, “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.” Things like, iPhones, iPads, TV’s, Video Games, money, but primarily self! We know that these things don’t satisfy . . . Apple knows this too and that is why they keep coming out with newer products that appeal to our hunger to find hope in the stuff of this world.
Apple is not to blame. They are doing what businesses do, and they are doing it quite well. But the problem lies in our hearts. Have we come to a place of satisfaction or are we still searching? I am convinced with Augustine that the human heart is restless until it finds its rest in God. Nobody is going to unveil the gadget that brings our heart peace. Technology is an excellent tool, but a horrible master!
Jesus Christ is an excellent Master but a horrible tool! He says, “come to me all you who are burdened and I will give you rest”. Have you found that peace, or are you still restless in your heart, searching for hope in the stuff of this world?
Still owning a trac phone I’m amazed at what the newer phones do and wonder what new stuff they can come up with. Sitll remember my grandpa showing me the NEW orange triangle he was to put on his tractor when he took it on the road and the orange flag the last car in line took through the workzone to give to the guy at the other end so cars could come through from that direction. Definately a different “responding” era!
Do enjoy your blogs – very well written and insightful.
but I sure love my new Samsung phone! I can read my Bible on it anytime I want 🙂
Totally agree with your blog, which is why I feel all my family members should stick with their current phones/gadgets and resist the trend of society to continually upgrade. Upgrading does not bring peace and happiness.
Whether or not we upgrade is a personal decision. The real issue is the heart and that our joy and delight is not wrapped up in the stuff. The stuff should lead us to gratitude to God.