I was told the story of a man who had some friends come visit him from afar. As they got down to discussing some urgent matter, the telephone in the kitchen started to ring. Without batting so much as to an eyelid or even halting the discussion, the host continued the discourse as though he heard nothing.
A little while later into their discussion, the phone rang again but the host continued as before – unperturbed. The guests however took a glance at each other as if to say – Does he know the phone is ringing?
Going a little further in their discussion, the phone rang again. This time the guests had had enough. ‘Your phone is ringing sir’ they chorused. The host responded coolly and calmly ‘I know the phone is ringing. I heard it all the while but the phone is made for me and for my convenience. I was not made for the phone. I would pick it at a more opportune time’.
This story has since registered in my mind as it is a reminder to the fact that we ought to be careful how we use these world’s goods.
What we have no control over inadvertently controls us.
We are assured by the word that Christ Jesus our saviour has given unto us the privilege to share in the dominion and the victory he has wrought for us through the cross – over all that is in the earth, under the earth and in heaven.
But this is made a mockery when those who have been given such a high privilege are brought to be mere servants of the world’s devices. Listen to the following scriptures:
Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away. In everything you do, I want you to be free from the concerns of this life – 1st Corinthians 7: 31 – 32b NLT
Someone may say, “I’m allowed to do anything,” but not everything is helpful. I’m allowed to do anything, but I won’t allow anything to gain control over my life – 1st Corinthians 6: 12 GW
It appears as though if I am not careful I would find myself at the mercy of those things that I allow to creep into my life. If this year would amount to anything meaningful, then we must be resolute in separating ourselves from those things that impinge on our healthy growth and relationship with God.
Take for instance the mobile phone. The consciousness of the mobile phone has seemingly replaced the greater consciousness of our ever constant communion with the father. How many times has our quiet time, prayer, a revelation or even a ministration been slaughtered on the altar of calls, texts, pings, gist, flash, etc
If there ought to be a time we should tread cautiously and carefully, it is now. We were not made for these gadgets, they were made for us. Can we get off the TV, radio, phones, face book, 2go, and tweeter for an hour and still be the same?
Are we living in view of the glorious reality we have been called into as believers or are we gradually being drawn into attitudes and traits that are unbecoming of the glorious name we profess?
It becomes disheartening when we fail to realise that as Christians the devils tactic is to keep getting us distracted so we would not come to terms with who and all that God has made us.
From midnight calls, through texts to pings, to tweets, and possibly some newer ones, the tactic has always remained the same – Distraction.
Are we saying never buy a phone, radio, and TV or satellite television? No!! But on a lighter mood, if it were possible you would think when rapture comes we would first hurriedly rush off to pick up our phones or other gadgets.
Let us exercise restraint and caution that our focus would not be taken from us. Remember only one thing is needful, don’t let that be taken from you.
If you already see yourself being consumed by this passion, pray about it and trust God to strengthen you as you take steps towards recovery.
Remember ‘be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith’. 1st Peter 5:8 – 9b NIV
Cheers
Do have a lovely week.
-Emeka Ofia
