This Fathers Day Sunday we spent the entire day in fellowship with our great church family from Cornerstone Pentecostal Church. We had a blast! There was a pig roast, Sumo Fighting, Bouncers for the kids, horseshoes, volleyball tournament, and basketball.
There was also one other noticeable trend, and that was the "texting war" that was happening throughout. I couldn't help but tease Gabe Knapp who was glued to his cellphone while we were getting ready to start playing basketball. Even after the games concluded he ran and grabbed his phone, went out into the hallway, and started texting some more. Gabe has some game when it comes to basketball, and it also seems he has become part of the "Technology Slavery," that is sweeping our Nation. (He was also the inspiration for me to type this article!)
There are countless advantages to technology these days. Instant communication, mobile internet access, unlimited ring tones and apps to keep you entertained for days, and much more..... However, there is also a downside to this new way of life. Have you ever received a phone call, seen the caller ID and decided you were not in the mood to talk at that particular moment? Then when you check the voicemail the message started off like this, "Hey Ron, where you at dude, I know you have your cellphone on you, YOU ALWAYS DO, you trying to avoid me or something? What's up, call me back dude!"
Somehow we now live in a time where if you don't answer your cellphone, or instantly return a text message, something is immediately perceived as wrong. It is almost as if through all the conveniences that a cellphone brings to the table, it also makes you a slave to answer and respond, regardless as to what you are currently doing. It creates unnecessary animosity amongst friends and family whom call and you do not answer. As if not answering the phone is sending a signal that you do not care about them, or they are not important.
How many times have you seen someone in church, at a birthday party, in the hospital, etc. jump and run when their phone rings? Have you ever been in conversation with someone face to face, just to have their phone ring, and regardless as to the importance of your conversation, they must take the call?
What about going on vacation? I thought a vacation was where you unplugged from your "normal activities" of life and enjoy some time relaxing and getting away? During the day of Technology Slavery, that isn't the case anymore, is it? You may decide to leave your computer at home, but you still bring your Blackberry with you, texting, checking emails, and taking calls even while you are on vacation?
Cellphones have created a 24/7 on call mentality for most people. I am sure some of you reading this will also relate to hearing your phone go off at night while you are sleeping, and awakening, then jumping out of bed to see who is calling you, or texting, at 3o'clock in the morning. Many have children who also have cellphones, not sure what that is about, and during dinner the kids are texting their friends instead of conversing as a family while you eat your meal. How many times have you sat down to eat dinner, the phone rings, and watch all your kids, or even you, jump out of your seat to answer it. Could the person calling not have just left a message and you call them back after dinner?
When out and about start to observe people and what they are doing. The only thing more common these days then smoking is texting or talking on cellphones. Take a look around and tell me we are not living in a time and age where Technology Slavery is evident more now than ever.
Ladies and Gentleman, I myself have 2 cellphones. Yes I generally have them on me. One is for our Isagenix business, and the other our Carpet Installation Service. However, there are 2 main functions on my cellphones that I utilize often. The first is caller ID and the second is voicemail. If I am currently tied up, whether that be at church or conversing with someone in person, these 2 features on my phone work wonders. I still believe that when a person calls, if it was important, they will leave a message and I will CALL THEM BACK!
I am not against texting, and I love the advancements in technology, however, to be on call 24/7 is not for me. Many times people have said, "You are hard to get a hold of," yet the reality is, that is not true. It is only valid when comparing me to someone who has fallen into Technology Slavery....
Here is a test to determine whether or not you are on call 24/7. What is the one thing you could never leave home without? If it is your cellphone, then you might just be a slave to technology. We will pray for all of you! :-)
Be free, be blessed,
Ron
P.S. Gabe did say he doesn't usually text all the time, except in this instance, it was the only way he could communicate with this particular young lady! Perhaps he is not a slave to his cellphone, however, I would like to give him a special thanks! If it weren't for him this weekend, this article might not have been possible. :-)
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