Obsessed with New Things

The modern computer era was initiated 67 years ago today when the UNIVAC 1, the world’s first commercial computer, was unveiled. Today, computers, in various forms, dominate our lives in ways that could never have been anticipated in 1951.

Computer capacity and speed continually improve, and models soon become obsolete. The rate of change has made some people perpetually discontent unless they have the newest and best technology available. In fact, for many people, in recent years traditional “computers” have been superseded by various mobile devices.

Paul discovered this same obsession with the “new” in Athens where people “liked to spend all their time telling and hearing the latest new thing.” The Gospel, to them, was just a “new teaching,” a curiosity. But, soon, most went on to pursue other “new” things.

There are many ways in which our lives can be seduced by the new. We are flooded with promotions for new products. New styles and fashions fill our stores each year. Gossip and the latest news dominate many conversations.

But God warns us against being obsessed with the new. He wants us to base our lives on His timeless Word and principles that are eternal. As Paul wrote, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV).

Today, remember that the things of this world are passing away. Make God’s Word the stability of your life.