Get the App
Author: The Rev. Dr. David Bridges, Priest
January 11, 2022
I remember my first Mobile Phone. It was a suitcase-size
box behind the seat of the truck and a handset with a wire mounted on the front
console. It could blow the horn if the phone rang, and I could run back to the
truck and answer it.
Then there was the Bag Phone. If the battery was charged
I could carry it with me like luggage and not have to run back to the truck to
answer it. It was really cool for that time. Then came Flip Phones. That
opened-up a new world for us. We could take and share pictures and send texts;
no wires, no bag, very cool.
Then came Smart Phones. Wow, what a game changer! These
things have an Operating System and can download nearly unlimited Apps (special
programs like games, etc.). One problem is that these apps can run in the
background, even when you are not using them.
When the phone starts acting more strangely than normal
or is running slowly, one of the things the phone company will tell you to do
is check which apps are open all the time, then turn them off. That will
speed-up your operating system.
It occurs to me that we humans have a similar situation.
When we were created we had an operating system that was fully linked-up with
the Creator. Then someone downloaded an App; Imperfection/Sin/Darkness entered
the picture. Our connection to the Creator was corrupted.
That “App” has caused immense trouble for all of
humankind. That is what Yeshua/Messiah/Jesus came to earth to correct; the
connection between the Creator and humankind. Even so, we still have the
propensity to inadvertently or willingly re-download or re-start that Darkness
App.
Even though we are “saved” we are not immune to the
possibility of re-entering darkness. We have the blessing/curse of free will to
deal with. Then, how do we make our will compatible with the will of the
Creator?
We do that by spending quality time with the Creator.
That time includes prayer, study, worship and fellowship with like-minded
believers for the strengthening of our faith. We can never say we “have it all
together” because keeping it together is a daily task.
Those pesky negative Apps can enter our
spiritual/emotional operating system and cause us real problems if we are not
fully protected by the Holy Spirit. Our protection comes from not only seeking
the Holy Spirit, but also by listening to it.
We can build the App we need to remain strong in our
faith and decision to walk with Messiah daily until He returns. We build that
App by training our minds to focus on God’s Kingdom. “… whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things … and the God of peace will
be with you.” (Philippians 4:8)
Blessings and Peace to You
All,
Fr.
David+
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