I like gadgets. I can
spend hours in hardware stores, automotive shops, and electronic shops looking
at all the neat things to have at your disposal. I guess it is a guy thing, but having the
right gadget or tool makes all the difference in the world for doing “honey do”
projects. Wow have some of these
electronic wonders changed the way we work and communicate.
Lately though, I have noticed that many electronic gadgets
are beginning to be a nuisance. I have
been to several meetings where ultimately; someone’s cell phone will interrupt
the meeting with some ridiculous ring tone.
What makes it ridiculous is that the host most often asks each attendee
to turn off their phones or if they are expecting that, “all important call” to
put their phone on vibrate.
At the last Southern Baptist Convention I attended, I saw
the rudeness of many in attendance who were on their cell phones, blackberries,
or laptop computers during times of preaching or business. I am always amazed at how many people attend
a conference and the first thing they do is open laptops, now even smaller
“notebooks,” and read e-mails and other stuff during meetings. It makes me want to buy one of those illegal
gadgets that jams the frequencies of phones, blackberries, and laptops.
I remember a funeral I attended a couple of years ago. It was the mother of a former church
member. This former member is a respected
medical doctor and a family friend. My
sister and I sat together, unbelievably, without daddy making us. That was punishment for fighting when growing
up. I leaned over to her and said, “I
bet you a supper that a cell phone rings during the funeral.” She agreed with the deal. Right on cue, someone’s cell phone started
ringing to the tune of “Sanford and Son.”
I smiled at my sister and said, “Double or nothing I bet
another rings.” She agreed again. Did I mention that my sister is
gullible? A few moments later, another
phone rang. It was in a lady’s purse and
she fumbled for what seemed an eternity trying to turn it off.
Feeling kind-a bad about my sister owing me two suppers, I
asked her to go double or nothing again.
I was thinking that by now everyone made sure his or her cell phones
were off and sister could break even. By
the way, my sister is a very good cook.
Before the end of the funeral, another cell phone rang. After the funeral, I told my sister all she
had to do was fix one supper.
We have heard lately about the security breaches, the train
wreaks, auto accidents, and other disturbing effects that cell phones and text
messaging are causing. I know I have
preached at a couple of churches were the young people are text messaging
during worship. Now our young people can
pass notes electronically. It makes me
want to text the sermon to them or have God text them, “LISTEN TO THE SERMON.”
I hope I do not sound like I am on a soapbox, but I think
that we are losing our respect for one another.
The other day this dude was talking, I thought, to me. I was having this conversation with him when
I realized he was talking to his ear and I was talking to myself. He wore another gadget makes people look like
an alien from a “Sci Fi” movie.
In Wal Mart, two ladies were walking side by side pushing
their buggies while talking on cell phones.
I saw four girls in a car on the Interstate all four talking on their
cell phones. Has it gotten that bad that
we must have cell phones to communicate with one another while with one
another?
I know that during the holidays it was hard to carry on a
conversation with family and friends because they were constantly talking or
text messaging to someone.
As we all know too well, cell phones can be critical in
keeping us safe and connected. Technology, its myriad of benefits, and all its
gadgets are not the issue, people are.
“Some people have gotten so fed up with rude mobile phone
users they have turned to illegal cell
phone jammers. These devices knock cell phone users off their
lines and prevent a reconnection with the cell tower until the user wanders out
of range. The rate at which jammers are selling speaks to the lack of manners
among yappers.”
Thinking of cell phone etiquette, we need to remember the
words of the Apostle Paul. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you
(Ephesians 4:32 KJV). The words of Jesus my express it better. A new
commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another (John 13:34
KJV).
The next time you are in worship or at a funeral, remember
to turn off your cell phone. It is not
likely that God will be using Verizon,
ATT, or Southern
LINC to contact you and that cute ring tone might not be
appropriate.
No comments:
Post a Comment