THE CHRISTIAN WORK ETHIC NEWSLETTER
July 2005
It is amazing how technology has impacted the way in which we communicate. A cell phone or e-mail might have been a science fiction sensation just a few decades ago. Yet, such mediums have now become an integral part of every day life throughout the world.
Leave it to us humans to mess up a blessing that is often turned into a curse. It all depends on how you use the tools of technology!
Many of us have used phone answering devices and e-mail to close avenues with those with whom we choose not to communicate. We often justify this action because we're so busy or because we want to filter out junk mail and sales calls. While, in some cases, some screening may be justified, I am afraid this is now being taken to the extreme.
Some time ago, I telephoned an individual eighteen times over a period of three weeks and he never returned my call. Yet, his recorded message said, "Leave your number, and I'll return your call immediately." During those times when he was in the office, his secretary switched me to his location but instead of answering, his recorded message was activated over and over.
This is especially disturbing because this person is a full time employee of a church. Yes, I am afraid that such secular practices are slowly creeping into God's House! This is a dangerous trend because the church office is very often the FIRST place where outsiders make contact with the specific ministry.
While conducting personal business with many different organizations, I have taken a survey for three years and found that 62 percent of those who said "Leave your number and I'll return your call" never called!
I recognize that some honestly forgot their promise. But, if all really forgot, the Alzheimer disease must have suddenly become an epidemic!
Have you ever wondered how Jesus would use today's technology?
Do you suppose He would obey His own commandment which tells us not to bear false witness against our neighbor and return calls as promised? Do you suppose He would answer his e-mails or would He simply delete the one He received from you? Do you suppose He would do unto others as you would have them do unto you?
I have become weary of people using "busyness" as a convenient excuse for being cold. No person has ever lived who was as busy as Jesus Christ. Yet, He never failed to practice the Christian work ethic!
When the lady touched his garment, did He screen her out and decide not to respond to her? When a blind man needed healing, did He make him wait because he was not on a priority list? When He met the lady at the well, did He ask her to give Him her number and He would call her?
If Jesus had a cell phone, how would he use it?
Don't worry. He doesn't need one because He doesn't depend on any form of technology for us to communicate with Him. Thank God, we do not have to push any buttons to reach Heaven. We don't have to worry about any cold recordings being transmitted from His Heavenly location.
All we have to do is use his blessed name: J-E-S-U-S. Contact Him now and I promise that He will answer your call!
Regardless of where you work, follow His example and your proper use of technology will truly become a blessing for others who depend on you to meet their needs!
BOOK STORE SCHEDULES MORE BOOK SIGNING ENGAGEMENTS THROUGH 2006
Due to tremendous interest in my book and excellent sales results, Faith Book Store in Graham, North Carolina has scheduled more book signings. Refer to my itinerary which includes specific dates for this excellent Christian book store!
Very truly yours,
Jim Hogsett, President/Founder; Worker Ministries and Writer for Guideposts Magazine