the "BACKSPACE" phenomena
much of our language and way of communication now comes via some form of technological advancement. What I mean by that is computers, phones, text message, msn, and the like are all 'regulars' (as they say) now in the way we communicate. And with this phenomena comes its pros and the cons. The pros seem to be easily recognizable and so I won't say much about that. However the 'cons', that's a different story.
we've become the culture of the "backspace" and "control Z" (for those of you who are just waking up to the computer age, control z is the 'undo' feature in most computer based programs......sorta wish there was a 'control z' for life sometimes...anyway, but that's a different story)
what does this mean? well, I think in many ways it is made us incompetent in the way we communicate with others in person. because we sit behind the computer and can take away what we do or type, this doesn't grant us too much effort to think through that when we operate with 'real' people in 'real life' that the 'backspace' and the 'control z' aren't available with what we say and do.
I'm reminded of the fact that franciscan monks (correct my history if i'm wrong) who would help in translating out scrolls of scripture would have so much regard that in writing an entire portion, should they come up to one slight mistake (no matter how small) that they would have enough fear of God and respect for His Word that they would start all over again......no backspace, or control z. So imagine this, you're a monk, you're almost finished writing out all of the psalms (which probably took a good chunk of your time, to say the least), one verse is remaining. All that stands in your way is Psalm 150:6 (which is the last verse of the psalms)
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
but instead you're so filled with anxiety that you write
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LARD!
guess what, as a faithful monk, you'd have enough decency, respect and love for the holy scriptures to start right back at Psalm 1:1. What does this tell me? we've become casual in our dealings with one another, and casual definitely with our Lord and Christ. Our minds have become infested with a culture who insists that the 'self' is of utmost importance and life can be just like the very machines that we operate, mistakes and 'boo boos' are easily fixed by the press of a button.
Well, the ultimate 'boo boo' (if i can even say that) was taken out not by us, but by the one who invites us to come openly knowing our weakness, a creature desperately in need of sustainance, to rely on Him, the one who died, and rose again, to undo (control z) the mess that sin created.
HOW GREAT THOU ART
The "God-doesn't-need-backspace-or-controlz" Song
Oh Lord my God when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul my savior God to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul my savior God to Thee
How great Thou art how great Thou art.
When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
To take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great Thou art
WORSHIP HIM!
and yes...i used backspace and control z during the writing of this article...i'm only human! | 