The Daily Devotional
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Connected in Christ
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14)
Introduction
In our digital age, we've seen the rise of technologies that promise enhanced connectivity. This was marked notably on November 23, 1992, when the first smartphone, the IBM Simon, was introduced at COMDEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. This device foreshadowed the incredible ways in which technology would bind us together, offering a modern parallel to the spiritual connection Paul describes in Colossians.
Reflection
Imagine the world before smartphones. Communication was slower and less convenient; we were less connected with distant loved ones. When the IBM Simon was introduced, it revolutionized our potential to connect, reshaping our daily lives. This technological leap is akin to the transformation we undergo in Christ. Just as the smartphone bridges physical distances between people, Christ's love bridges the spiritual gap between us and God and among ourselves.
Consider a church community that began sharing daily devotions and prayer requests through a group chat application on their smartphones. This new way of communication didn't just keep them informed but deepened their bond, making them aware of each other's struggles and victories in real time, thereby embodying the "perfect harmony" that Paul talks about.
Application
Let us use the tools and opportunities we have — be it technology or simple face-to-face conversations — to foster genuine connections within our community. As smartphones help us stay linked with friends and family, let our actions and words daily reflect Christ's love that binds us in perfect harmony. Engage more deeply, share more openly, and love more abundantly.
Conclusion
The IBM Simon showed us a glimpse of the future, a world more connected by bits and bytes. However, it is through Christ's love that we experience the most profound connection — one that transcends time, space, and even the digital realm. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember to prioritize this divine connection that endures and unites.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your love, which binds us together in perfect harmony. Help us to use the tools of our time wisely so that we may stay connected with each other and grow closer to You. Teach us to embody Your love in all our interactions, both online and offline, so that we may be a living testimony of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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