I am increasingly astounded at how effortlessly I can while away hours at the computer. After being adrift in cyberspace for an extended period, my glazed eyes can barely process the plethora of information flashing across the screen.
Though I often resolve to limit my time online, those good intentions soon become a thing of the past.
The truth is, computers and other electronic marvels dominate large chunks of our daily mind-space, whether we admit to it or not.
A recent NPR news spot about Apple dropping Google Maps from their mobile devices got me thinking about the significance of the Apple logo. The radio commentary stated that Apple makes a practice of reworking existing products of competitors – and improving them for their own benefit.
Make no mistake – I have nothing against Apple computers. I am writing this post on a wonderful MacBook Air that replaced my ancient and turtle-slow PC. I am ever grateful for its lightning speed.
But my musings keep returning to that once-bitten apple and its symbolism – temptation, indulged.
According to Wikipedia, The name Apple was chosen because the company to beat in the technology industry at the time (1976) was Atari, and Apple Computer came before Atari alphabetically and thus also in the phone book. Another reason was that (Steve) Jobs had happy memories of working on an Oregon apple farm one summer. (parentheses mine)
For as innocently as the name was chosen, it is a curious coincidence that the logo so aptly reflects our cultural norms.
We live in a wanting world.
Are we not continually lured into desiring the newest iThing – or the latest software upgrade for our existing device? How does the average consumer manage to stay abreast of the latest and greatest?
And why do we continue to be desirous of what we don’t or can’t have?
Regardless of the reasoning behind it, the Apple logo accurately conveys the message of desire. Just take a bite, and you’re hooked.
And…if the taste or texture isn’t to your liking, discard it and move on to something even more delectable.
Go for the bigabytes, as they might say in Jersey.
We all have “apples”of various varieties dangling overhead, beckoning our attention. Some are merely frivolous distractions…others, soul-threatening menaces.
Can we be discerning enough to know the difference, and turn away from harmful distractions or potentially destructive invitations?
Yes we can…but only with the help of God. He alone can provide the strength we need to resist the things that draw us away from Him.
God has gifted the technological wizards with incredible minds; we can’t even begin to imagine the advances (or devices!) the future holds.
But God’s capabilities far exceed our most sophisticated creations…and have eternal staying power.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
P.S. I think Eve would have yearned for an iPad.
Click here to read the NPR transcript.
beWARM 
And I betcha Adam would have given in to the iPad … wanting the newest version right along with her!
You are probably correct in your assumption, Susan!!!
Toni, this is a very sobering reflection in light of our times and culture. Sooooo very much to think about. How are we called to use technology in a faithful sense as Christians? It Is, in many ways, “our world” of today. So, how do we “Christ-ify”, to coin that word, I guess, what we use so that we are faithful to who we are and don’t get sucked into the mentality of “gotta have more” … “better” … and above all, “FASTER.” And do we know when we are called to simply step away? Can we stand as people of relationship who know when it is “time” to be techie and “time” to be for others? Kairos … gives new meaning to God’s kind of time!
Susan, Thank you for sharing your insights…and raising some thought-provoking questions. I love your word “Christ-ify”! May we all find ways to be strong enough to step out of the fast-paced momentum of our culture and walk alongside Him….
Bless you!