Simple Living vs Apple Inc.
With the announcement of yesterdays iPhone 3GS and so many other goodies like Macbook Pros, Snow Leopard etc. I continue this battle: My core value of simple living (valuing uncluttered lives, which free me to love boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully) in comparison to the world and society that I live in. First ponder this quote:
“How many things we own that we do not give away because we feel so attached to them. It is better to have less in order to give all to Jesus.” – Mother Teresa.
Are we so attached to the latest gadgets, shoes, purses, etc. that we forget those in the world that have so much less then us? As Christians we are committed to the Biblical call to be in the world, but not of the world. As a Christian that means I need to be aware of how I spend my time, money, and talent. You have probably heard the saying if you want to know what a person really values, do not listen to their words, but rather look to where their money is going.
Some may call me a rather large Apple fan. I love Mac’s, I have one personal iMac and a laptop and G5 that I work on everyday in the office. I have my own personal first generation iPhone. Each of these things I value greatly they allow me to exhibit my creativity in so many ways. So when the new iPhone 3GS was announced at the WWDC I had this immediate feeling “I have to get one.” Good thing they didn’t go on sale yesterday because I might have been tempted to buy it right then. Today as I reflect on my own selfish desires I am reminded of the fact that I have a working iPhone. It might need an extra charge throughout the day and it certainly has a few scuffs and scratches, but it still is working, in fact I will even get a free upgrade to the 3.0 software. So unless I win a free iPhone I think I will at least wait until the one I have becomes unsupported or wares out.
Apple makes it so hard for me to value simple living. I am committed to living a life that reflects the life of Jesus. I am never perfect, in fact I have a lot of flaws, but I know that if I give into what the world says I need I will find myself wanting more and more stuff. Our society is in trouble economically and the main reason is because we are greedy. American’s are in debt over there heads and they don’t know what to do. As you consider making your next purchase will you consider basing your decision on God’s principles and not society’s viewpoints?
5 Responses to “Simple Living vs Apple Inc.”
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Tom Fenske on June 9th, 2009
Jeremy, I'm with ya brother. New and better stuff makes it so hard for me not to want it all. Part of this is the constant march of technology and part is just simple envy: its better, therefore what we have is lacking.
Darin Zook on June 9th, 2009
Good for you. For me personally, I see no need to upgrade from the 3G at this point. Though I’m extremely jealous of the performance increase and video capabilities, I’m hoping that I’ll be just as satisfied with iPhone 3.0 software too.
I too struggle with this AWESOME technology. Apple continues to reinvent everything and they are redefining the industry as a whole. I continually want things I don't need and its a struggle. God is the only thing that we need more and more of. Someday we'll look back upon all of this and laugh at ourselves. And in eternity, the God computer will trump all things Apple.
eric rohrer on June 10th, 2009
you could just not own any cell phones at all. why really do people think they need to be in contact with everyone at all times? and don't say for emergencies. humans were surviving long before 1995, or whenever they came out.
Jeremy Denlinger on June 10th, 2009
We certainly could survive without cell phones.The fact is that our world recognizes the value of communication. Most people don't question the need for a home phone. For me I have one phone. It works, but it certainly can be challenging to hold "quiet moments" where I seclude myself from technology. I am continually trying to find ways to focus on authentic relationships and leave the technology off for an evening or two. Good thoughts!
DevinThomas on June 10th, 2009
This is great and thoughtful stuff. I wish everyone in the BIC Church was as committed to simple living as you are!
The way I read the core value, it's not just about our selfishness in terms of possession, but the means by which we acquire possessions and the effect that acquisition has on others. For example, those who spend an inordinate amount of time at the office in the quest to earn money and acquire possessions do so by neglecting their families/friends/health/etc. In the same way, when we acquire possessions from vendors who engage in unsafe or illegal business practices–sweatshops, child labor, etc.–we do so at the cost of others. Our sisters and brothers are oppressed, violated, and devalued so that we can acquire possessions.
This is one of the biggest things that I struggle with in terms of my commitment to this core value. I'd like to say that I buy all my clothes second-hand or from reputable vendors, but I don't. I'd like to say that I research the farming and/or agricultural production methods that brought to me the banana I'm currently eating, but I didn't. I try to engage in buying local produce or fair trade goods whenever possible, but it's difficult to do this all the time, particularly in our highly materialistic, always-on-the-go culture.
Thanks for your thoughts, and the forum to express mine!