In between clients today, I have had an opportunity to keep up with the Apple events announcing a new iPhone and a new operating system. For those who know me, I am very excited about this new iOS5 system and its capabilities.
While I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new system, I am amazed at all the hype going on over Apple and its products. For what seems to be weeks speculation has grown trying to anticipate what would be announced. There is nothing wrong with that, I might add, and I actually am impressed with how Apple does it. Many could learn from their marketing techniques.
However, are people not aware that the world is crumbling all around them? We are on a financial cliff – here and Europe. A presidential election is getting underway. The Federal Reserve chairman told Congress today that we need to spend more and not cut spending or we are in trouble. (As a side note, I wonder if he is personally in debt up to his eyeballs?) The Supreme Court may hear Obamacare. So much more…. At least according to the news media….
And everyone is hyped about a mobile phone?
Have you been to an Apple store in the last three years since this economic calamity started? There is NEVER a recession there! People are typically lined wall to wall playing with and purchasing Apple products.
No, I am not against Apple. In fact, quite the opposite and far from it. I just wonder how concerned people really are about things that are really important to them or do they recognize that there are things impacting their future.
Just a thought….
Parkey,
I have spent the past 3 days working as a volunteer at the Catalyst Conference here in Atlanta. While we were listening to each of the messages I was amazed at the number of IPADS, Notebooks, Kindles, Laptops, IPHONES and other gadgets that were being used in the place of the good ole bic pen and notebook “paper”. I don’t have a problem with that at all…I’m like you…I have an appreciation for the new technology out there and I find my IPHONE to be an exceptional form of communication.
I hear what you are saying though and find that my eyes are painfully aware of the fact that the next generation spends more time researching the latest Apps and Updates than they do looking at the world around them. The Theme of Catalyst this year was “BE PRESENT”…..and I just have to wonder …..will tomorrows generation of leaders really ever understand what that means or will that concept be redefined by our new wave of communication?
When your step-daughters boyfriend sends her father a text message saying “I will be proposing in the near future” then does so that night without ever discussing it with him….should we be worried?
When 15,000 people hear a message and watch videos describing the extreme hunger and poverty in Uganda and are ask to physically “write” down their commitment to consider a 40 day Fast in support of that ..but can’t take the time to do it because they are sending a text to their friend about where to eat lunch instead of listening to the details…should we be worried?
When parents and church members find it acceptable to let their teenagers text during church…because it’s how todays generation communicates….should we be worried?
Do you ever wonder if Steve Jobs who was coined as “todays Thomas Edison” ever turned off that fascinating mind of his in order to “hear” God. Was he able to find that peace within himself. When he left this world…..did he stand before Christ? Did he ever experience the compassion to “giving” some of his wealth back to the less fortunate. Did he ever truly find peace….and will the next generation be a generation of individuals that can recharge, backup, download or power off their newest gadget…but never really know how to do that with their heart. Should we be worried about that?
As I ask myself these questions though…I realize that after the conference I found myself turning on my IPHONE and checking my emails… Reading my FaceBook comments… Returning text messages that I had put off during the day…..instead of reflecting and “Being Present” with God. Should I be worried about that???
I hear what your saying and I totally “get” it. This generation is young and energetic….but are they more interested in this new culture of communication rather than the political, economical and social changes that will determine their standard of living? I just don’t know….and should we be worried about that?
Awesome post!!