Rhemalogy

It was Lewis Carroll who originally created the phrase “Off with their heads!” in his book, written in 1865, known as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. We all remember the Queen of Hearts yelling that exact decree. Yet I propose to you these same words have been silently spoken by technology.

My next-door neighbor and I were having a conversation the other day about how we, as a nation, have become so desensitized and irresponsible—even down to the simplest thing. More specifically, communication. Technology has become a double-edged sword. In every field, there have been awesome technological advancements, but on the flip side, it’s quietly cut off our moral heads. Whenever you spend more time clicking and clacking on a cellphone than having a general conversation or getting things done that are important, like homework, chores, or your job—technology has echoed, “Off with your head!”

It was Godfrey Reggio who said, “It’s not just the effect of technology on the environment, on religion, on the economic structure, on society, on politics; etc. It’s that everything now exists in technology to the point where technology is the new and comprehensive host of nature of life.” This may sound somewhat extreme, but it is something to consider. Have we dropped our moral compasses in the technological seas? I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments. (Psalm 119:176 NKJV)

…the cell phone syndrome had gotten so bad…

I worked in a call center where the cell phone syndrome had gotten so bad Human Resources had to threaten people’s jobs to make them stop using their cell phones while sitting at their desks. Some of the workers still would not stop and were politely walked out with their possessions in a box. Technology had just said “Off with your head!” when talking or texting takes precedence over your source of income.

You know things have gone to another level of crazy when folks have their cell phones on in the house of God playing games and texting. Has technology become our God and we mindless souls walking around with idols in our hands? If this is our future then humanity is in a world of trouble. Even Jacob had enough respect for God to put away any idols before coming into His presence. (Genesis 35:1-15 NKJV)

So laying your cell phone down for brief periods…

The next time you sit down at the dinner table, turn off your cell phone and start a conversation. The next time you are spending quality time watching a family movie—turn off your cell phone and watch the movie so you’ll have something to talk about later. The next time you take a brisk walk or spend time in the park leave your cell phone behind and enjoy the beauty around you. There was a time when all we had were house phones and everyone survived. So laying your cell phone down for brief periods of time won’t bring total destruction into your life. Perhaps it will start some reconstruction of conscientiousness which many of us need, especially now. And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. (Romans 13:11 ASV)

…driving is like a roll of the dice nowadays.

It’s gotten so bad that driving is like a roll of the dice nowadays. *Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Texting while driving is 6x more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. Those are some pretty staggering statistics. When texting becomes more important than your life—technology has once again said “Off with your head!”

Yes, in the past 20 years the world has made tremendous technological strides. Which is not altogether a bad thing. The conclusion of the whole matter: we all need to be accountable to and focused on what’s important, especially in these uncertain times. The next time technology whispers “Off with your head!” block it out and apply wisdom or good old common sense, where you know it’s needed. Then you would have won the day.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. (Proverbs 4:6 NKJV)

Other posts that may help you.

• How to Connect to God in a Disconnected World.
• Shut In But Not Shut Down.
• 24 Little Things You Can Do for Yourself and Others Right Now.

*Information is taken from Texting and Driving Accident Statistics.

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