June 19, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Thursday, June 19.
How are you reading this? On what kind of device? A desk computer, a laptop, a tablet? I’m going to guess that most of you are reading these words on your smart phone. 85% of Americans have one now. It’s a communications revolution. We are connected to the world 24/7. Everywhere you go, you see people looking at their phones - at the grocery store, at the ball game, at work, at school, at family gatherings. And yes, even at church - and they’re not always on Bible.com! The average American is looking at their smart phone - or some kind of screen - an average of eight hours a day.
In spite of all this “connecting”, polls tell us that people are feeling more disconnected than ever before. And more lonely and isolated, too. In spite of all the online “sharing”, our culture is increasingly divided, increasingly divisive. Are we missing out on what is truly meaningful in life?
The Apostle Paul speaks to us today in Ephesians 5:15-16. “Be very careful how you live - not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil”. I like the phrase found in the King James Version of that passage - “redeem the time”. Some families have instituted “no phone periods” in their homes, like when they’re sharing a meal. Why not put your smart phone away once in a while? Have a face to face conversation, or at least a voice to voice one. Connect to the world in an old school way. Write a letter, take a walk, read a book, smell the roses.
Be wise. Redeem the time.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
