Connected World

Are you connected?

Being connected is important in today’s world. Without a doubt, this is the most connected generation in history.

First there were telephones. Then came facsimile and email. Now we have the Internet, cell phones, smart phones, instant messaging, text messaging, web cams and—coming soon—two way video calling on your smart phone.

Once it was a luxury to have a cell phone for business. Today it seems that every school child has one. Twenty-five years ago a Sony Walkman was a status symbol. The first ones played cassette tapes. Then came CDs. Now it’s digital MP3 players. What’s next?

With an MP3 player you can carry music, movies, TV shows and even university classes--all in your pocket! But to get them, you’ve got to be connected.

One Laptop Per Child is a company bringing low cost computers to third world countries. OLPC has one goal: to maximize the number of children who have a connected laptop.

Have you noticed how much information is available to those who are connected? With the click of a mouse button you can learn about any subject. Students rarely read books anymore. Research is done “online.”

Oh—and don’t forget about social networking sites that help families and friends stay connected.

To be truly connected requires access the Internet. Dial-up connections are slow and old-fashioned. Broadband is faster and better. Wi-Fi connects you wirelessly. Smart phones let you connect to the Internet on the go.

Being connected is fast becoming one of the new rights of the 21^ST Century. An Internet connection is the new must-have utility.

Well, hold on just a minute! Are we any safer, smarter or wiser because we’re more connected? Has the amount of available information increased our wisdom? Does information provide meaning or purpose in life? Sadly, no.

Information is just facts. Facts are useless unless you know what to do with them. Just being smarter doesn’t automatically make you wiser. Some of the smartest people in the world can do some of the dumbest things. Remember the love-sick astronaut a few years ago that tried to get revenge?

Facts and IQ only take you so far. To understand life you need wisdom.

Solomon, whose wisdom is legendary, wrote in the Bible, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” He advised, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

The Psalmist added, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Jesus said a wise person is “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice.” James the Apostle wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

You can read more in the New Testament book of James. It’s even available online.

Do you want to really get connected? Then get connected to the source of wisdom that’s out of this world. The God of the Bible is the author, supplier and giver of wisdom.

Don’t take my word for it--read it yourself. Then listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!