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“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Life has certainly changed over the years. It wasn’t that long ago when somebody had a question and their options for finding the answers were limited. Years ago, you had to read a variety of books to learn about a topic. Then libraries began offering help in the form of the information desk. You could go to the library or even call the library, ask your question, and a helpful librarian would assist you in finding the answer. With the advance of computer technology came the invention of the search engine. Google is now a household name. So what’s next in the world of high tech information sharing? Voice activation!
Many people are now using various computer “assistants” to provide them with whatever they need. On Apple devices, Siri is the name of the ever-present helper waiting to do your bidding.
“Siri – what time is it?”
“Siri – please call Edward.”
“Siri – play some jazz music.”
Some people even like to have some fun at Siri’s expense by asking her silly questions just to hear what she will say.
“Siri – what is zero divided by zero?”
“Siri – when will pigs fly?”
“Siri – how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”
With that kind of broad knowledge base, it’s not surprising that some might even venture into the realm of religion. In fact, if you ask Siri if it believes in God, you’ll likely hear it say: “Humans have religion. I just have silicon.” This answer isn’t unexpected. After all, Apple doesn’t want to lose customers by creating a religious debate, and besides, isn’t a funny answer what the person asking the question expected to hear? But even in this attempt to make light of an incredibly important question I find an interesting truth that we as Christians can take from it.
Yes, religion is for humans and not for phones and tablets. After all, God created us in His likeness, not an iPad. But beyond that simple answer comes a bigger realization that for all of its knowledge and ability to access information quickly and conveniently, Siri is ill-equipped when it comes to the single most important thing that every person on earth must face: our relationship with God. The Bible makes it clear that there is a separation between God and man due to our sinfulness. Sin was brought about by Adam and Eve and carried on by every man, woman and child who has ever lived (save one). God created us to be pure and we messed it up. Of course, by modern standards we could just ask Siri to come to the rescue and everything would be ok.
“Siri – please forgive my sins.”
“Siri – save me from damnation.”
“Siri – take me to eternal life in heaven after I die.”
When it comes to voice activated technology, the computer will do many helpful things on our behalf, but we are still in control of it. We ask for what we want, when and how we want it, and the computer provides to the best of its programmed abilities. However, we as Christians know that no matter how helpful or convenient technology may be, it cannot do everything. The greatest computer advances can do nothing to save us from our sins, and neither can we. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the only way we can be saved is through the faith in Christ Jesus as our Savior. His life, death, and resurrection provide us the only way to receive forgiveness and salvation. We give thanks to God for loving us so much that He has provided us this gift, the greatest gift we could ever receive. Even greater than woodchuck chucked wood delivered by a flying pig.
Let’s see if Siri can do THAT!
Devotion by Richard Schumacher
LSEM Director of Programs & Services
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