I have a problem with the iphone.  Not “it” but the way in which “it’s” owners are consumed by it. 

The iphone is I’m sure a great tool but I’m always nervous of things people make great sacrifices to obtain.  There’s an app for this and an app for that, you can get the Bible, daily readings and more.  But I keep recalling the scene in the Batman with Jack Nicholas and Jim Carrey where they make the technology to suck people’s brain power out.  One day we’ll all have iphones and it’ll suck the spirit out of us.  I’m not suggesting that the iphone is evil.  That is not it at all.  It is, again, man kinds reaction to it that concerns me.  Why are we consumed with pieces of technology like this?  What is soo alluring that people have to die during their sale because people cannot calm themselves (ref: news story of guy who died outside Walmart when people were crushing a pregnant lady)? 

I know this all seems like a sad excuse to not like the iphone.  And no I don’t hate Apple, nor do I secretly want an iphone.  On the contrary I think that there are those who have well formed consciences who can own and use iphones to order their life while not worshipping it.  Just like there are recovered alcoholics who can enter a bar without drinking, and maintain their commitment.  I guess the difference is the alcoholic doesn’t sleep with the bottle anymore. 

Consider this… A study was done in 2003 to determine whether success or material purchase caused greater happiness.  The overwhelming result was that experiences were a greater contribution to the overall happiness of a person because they last longer.  Think about it, do you ever have buyer’s remorse?  That is because the experience of considering your purchase brought you greater happiness than the actual purchase and ownership of it.  If we apply this to our society we see this in reality.  Many are not happy with what they could afford; so they leveraged their ability to provide for their family to attain greater material possession, only to cause great heartache on their ability to provide. 

I should clarify and broaden this to say that I condemn any technology and other possessions that people become consumed with.  It’s like an addiction to alcohol.  First an app for this, then an app for that, then over time one becomes consumed.  As Casting Crowns so eloquently puts it, “it’s a slow fade, when you give yourself away, when black and white turns to grey.”  As I sit here typing this I wonder how many Men called to lead their families in faith and be Christ to their wives, are now consumed with technology rather than consumed with the beauty of their wives, or the wonderment of their kids. 

We should be consumers in the economy of Salvation…not investors in the tanking economy of man.  Remember that John calls those who sin, slaves.  We are slaves to the man made impotent solutions to “make life easier”.  When in reality we need to be free men in the Kingdom of God where His burden is light. 

As for those of you with iphones.  I know the comments are coming that I’m overreacting and ridiculous.  Perhaps you are reading this right now on your iphone.  Well, I sincerely hope you see this little piece of metal and plastic as a tool, and not a solution.  But then again, I’m sure there’s an app for that too.  J