Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Telephone (07/17/08)
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Evolution in the field of communications is not just limited to global, national, or local news. It was not all that long ago, that not everyone had a telephone in the house and that many of the ones that did shared a “party line”. Personal communication around the world is as close as the nearest keyboard or cell phone. Even toddlers are being introduced to the technology via toy cells.
While some consider such devices to be the greatest invention since toilet paper, not all of us have adjusted to or even desire to be so “connected” or accessible. For some of us, the sound of a telephone is a source of interruption that we could still easily live without.
At the same time, most of us would concede that we no longer feel as comfortable as they once did when traveling alone at night without taking along such means of communications in the event of an emergency. Everyone can appreciate the 911 systems.
The use of cell phones when operating a motor vehicle has raised issues of highway safety.
Like everything else, it comes with a price. If reducing the amount of time we spend communicating on the phone is at least part of the solution to the financial, safety, and moral issues associated with the use of these readily accessible phones, it may be wise that we reconsider the quality as well as the quantity of the time used.
“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless (James 1: 26 NASB).”
Consider how brief many of our conversations would be if we only spoke of the things that promoted “…peace and building up of one another (Rom. 14: 19 NASB).” No gossip (Rom.1: 29), slander (Rom.1: 30), maligning (Psalms12: 5), complaining (Phil.2: 14), arguing (Phil. 2: 14) judging (Rom.2: 1/Rom.14: 4), or negative comments about persons in positions of authority (Rom. 13/Acts 23:5/Eccl.10: 20)? What if we functioned in the love of God and didn’t speak of the sins of others (1Cor.13: 5)?
I dare say some of us would have nothing to talk about and might even have to consider picking up the phone if certain people were calling! God bless the inventor of the answering machine!
The sin of the tongue requires two willing participants. One chooses to speak while the other chooses to listen.
The fallen nature in all of us desires to hear the latest trash!
“…make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust (Romans 13” 13 NASB).”
Just as God the Holy Spirit will bring to mind all the applicable doctrine(s) that we have learned at the needed moment, so will Satan bring to mind every negative piece of information that we have stored up, as well. It is no coincidence that it is when we have an “issue” with someone or something that all the negativity about that person or thing suddenly comes to mind. This recall of information is the means of a satanic attack on the unconditional love (1Cor.13: 5) that God desires His children to have and exhibit at that time. Satan pulled the trigger, but it was we who loaded the gun!
While Christians should not have any qualms about making legitimate use of modern technology, we must remember that the rulebook has not changed.
Just because we hear the ding-a-ling of the phone ringing doesn’t mean that we always have to listen to the ding-a ling on the other end.
In the corporate world, we have the right to hang up on a caller after warning him/her of the inappropriateness of a call and of our intentions to hang up if the situation continues. Should we not have similar standards in the spiritual realm?
Some people have reservations about what they say on the phone in fear of a third party. Is not everything we say being heard by the omnipresent and omnipotent ears of God?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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