Understanding Value in Today's Society
A post at Palm Addict really hit on something that I think that many times we can lost sight of in our "want driven society." This thing hit on is teh value of a object and getting the most out of what we have purchased.
While it is very true that many of us live in a culture where we are basically told that as soon as something new comes out, whatever we have now, no matter how short a time it was ago that we bought it is still good, that item needs to be replaced. In terms of how we should respectfully be a witness of Christ in our use of technology, there are some simple things that we can do to not fall into this trap of covetousness.
#1 Do your homework
No matter what any sales person will tell you. The only thing that works for you is to find out everything there is to know about that device/software and to the ebst of your abilities, compare it to like-minded software. For example, there are 4 really good Bible readers for PalmOS devices. While any person can tell you why they prefer one or the other, you should make the effort to go to the websites that do reviews and check those, go to the manufacturer's websties, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
#2 Check prices today, check them again tomorrow, and then again the next day
With technology, prices can change really quickly. Pay attention to the fan sites and technology news sites to see if anything new is coming that might better meet your needs, or push the model that you want down to a more manageable price.
#3 Remember, its only a tool
These devices will not live forever, nor should you expect them to. It is best to know that if you are buying something that is hi-tech now, it might not be later. Have a plan of upgrading and remember that even if you do upgrade and your device is still good, you can donate it to a friend or family member who might be in need of it (MMM also takes donations).
#4 Before purchasing, do your homework one more time
While buying a PDA or computer software is in no means as important as purchasing a house or car, the fact that you make a well informed and wise decsion is what pays off in the end. Take your time and think about it, don't just move because it is the latest thing or "looks like" it would fit.
#5 MOST IMPORTANT: Pray
Every decision that you include God in will always turn out to give you insight that you never thought of before, or that you thought of but did not give enough time to. Make sure to take all purchase decsions to God and allow Him to speak to you about the purchase. In some cases, you might find that the Lord says no to one thing, and points you to another so that he can better use your character with that tool to bring Him glory. In other times, you might just be told to hold back a bit and wait. In either case, hearing from the Lord is the best thing that you can do.
Making an informed and prayerful decision concerning purchase will not only help us to get better value miles out of what we purchase, but also lend to having that purchase become secondary to the mission that we have to carry the Word to the ends of the earth. Everything has some kind of value, but knowing its place in the grand scheme of things only makes us better users and lights with it.
While it is very true that many of us live in a culture where we are basically told that as soon as something new comes out, whatever we have now, no matter how short a time it was ago that we bought it is still good, that item needs to be replaced. In terms of how we should respectfully be a witness of Christ in our use of technology, there are some simple things that we can do to not fall into this trap of covetousness.
#1 Do your homework
No matter what any sales person will tell you. The only thing that works for you is to find out everything there is to know about that device/software and to the ebst of your abilities, compare it to like-minded software. For example, there are 4 really good Bible readers for PalmOS devices. While any person can tell you why they prefer one or the other, you should make the effort to go to the websites that do reviews and check those, go to the manufacturer's websties, and do not be afraid to ask questions.
#2 Check prices today, check them again tomorrow, and then again the next day
With technology, prices can change really quickly. Pay attention to the fan sites and technology news sites to see if anything new is coming that might better meet your needs, or push the model that you want down to a more manageable price.
#3 Remember, its only a tool
These devices will not live forever, nor should you expect them to. It is best to know that if you are buying something that is hi-tech now, it might not be later. Have a plan of upgrading and remember that even if you do upgrade and your device is still good, you can donate it to a friend or family member who might be in need of it (MMM also takes donations).
#4 Before purchasing, do your homework one more time
While buying a PDA or computer software is in no means as important as purchasing a house or car, the fact that you make a well informed and wise decsion is what pays off in the end. Take your time and think about it, don't just move because it is the latest thing or "looks like" it would fit.
#5 MOST IMPORTANT: Pray
Every decision that you include God in will always turn out to give you insight that you never thought of before, or that you thought of but did not give enough time to. Make sure to take all purchase decsions to God and allow Him to speak to you about the purchase. In some cases, you might find that the Lord says no to one thing, and points you to another so that he can better use your character with that tool to bring Him glory. In other times, you might just be told to hold back a bit and wait. In either case, hearing from the Lord is the best thing that you can do.
Making an informed and prayerful decision concerning purchase will not only help us to get better value miles out of what we purchase, but also lend to having that purchase become secondary to the mission that we have to carry the Word to the ends of the earth. Everything has some kind of value, but knowing its place in the grand scheme of things only makes us better users and lights with it.
posted by Antoine @ 5/15/2006 04:15:00 PM
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