For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…–Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)
Susan Greenfield, neuroscientist and researcher at Oxford, says human identity could be facing an unprecedented crisis. She writes that we are “sleepwalking towards a future in which neuro-chip technology blurs the line between living and non-living machines and between our bodies and the outside world…our brains are under the influence of an ever-expanding world of new technology including video games, mp3 players and wireless networks.”
In other words, we may be on the verge of becoming overwhelmed by the increasing role technology is playing in our lives, unable to draw clear lines in terms of how much to embrace and when to say enough is enough.
The good news is that the brain is an ever-changing organ. According to Greenfield, parts of the brain change in response to certain experiences and stimuli. This squares with the Bible’s teaching that we are what we think. It may not be easy, but we have the power to choose what we allow to have influence over us.
Technology has radically impacted our lives. Many of our conversations center around which new computer, phone or tablet we just bought, what software we’re using, what’s on our high tech wish list. And yet parents are finding it difficult to communicate to teens that are more tuned in to a text message than a spoken one. It’s important to remember that technology is a tool — a means to an end, not an end in itself.
God speaks to the spirit of a man or woman; and the spirit can be easily overlooked or neglected. At eight o’clock in our home, the cell phones and iPods go on the charger (lately they’ve been going into the washer, but that’s another story). It’s time to find the natural rest that keeps us human and in touch with God who is Divine. When the phone rings at dinnertime, it goes to the recorder. Unless someone is dying (call 911), it can wait. Phone calls are usually part of someone’s stream of consciousness and are not usually important enough to throw off our family rhythm.
The Bible says “the Spirit gives life.” Staying connected 24/7 has wonderful merits. I’m all for it. But feel free this week to get disconnected from distraction. Let the world of machines know who the boss is. The Maker of the airwaves knows where to reach you.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How has technology changed your relationships?
2. Is the “rhythm” of your life peaceful or stressful and what can be done about it?
FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40:31; 1 Kings 19:9-14