October 24, 2016 – Robert J. Tamasy How did we ever survive without cellphones? Have you wondered about that recently? Decades ago, before cellphones became commonplace, it was not a concern. If we had an urgent need to place a call, we would seek out a payphone somewhere – in a store, or even along a roadside. If someone needed to reach us while we were traveling in a car, or somewhere without phone service, they were just out of luck.
Today, however, leaving home or work without a cellphone sometimes seems as if we forgot to put on an essential item of clothing. We almost feel naked. I have a friend who in the 1980s became a highly successful sales executive for what was then known as Cellular One. In those days users practically needed to be bodybuilders to heft the briefcase-sized communications devices, but he sold them just the same. Now they easily fit into a pocket or purse.
Cellphones, thanks to great advances in technology, have become indispensable for our lives. A successful business or professional person without a cellphone is like a motor vehicle without tires. It does not work very well – and neither do they. But in reality, seeking to integrate our faith into the workplace without having the Bible readily available as a resource is not recommended either.
Some time ago someone gave me a copy of a brief article by that well-known source, “Anonymous,” that asks, “What would happen if we treated our Bible as we treat our cellphones?” Consider:
- What if we carried our Bible around in our purse or pockets?
- What if we flipped through it several times a day?
- What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it at work, or at home?
- What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
- What if we treated it as if we could not live without it?
- What if we gave it to family members as gifts?
- What if we relied on it whenever we traveled?
- What if we used in case of emergency?
The Bible is not a religious book; it is a manual for everyday life and work. God has given it to guide us through opportunities, decisions and challenges of every day. Here are some examples of its value:
A source of wisdom. Among the Bible’s many values needed for success and leadership skill, none is more important than wisdom: “for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words and insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3).
A source of guidance. Asking what to do, how to do it, and why, the Bible gives answers: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (and woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
A source for success. We all seek a clear path to success. The Bible promises to provide that: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
© 2016. Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Bob has written Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Tufting Legacies; and coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring. His biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your reliance on your cellphone? How different would it be if for whatever reason you had to work without a cellphone readily available?
- Have you ever forgotten your cellphone at home, or at work? How did that make you feel?
- Can you imagine applying the same principles about dependence on cellphone communication to becoming dependent on the Bible? Explain your answer.
- If you were to describe the role, if any, of the Bible in how you approach a typical workday, what would that be? Do you think it could become more important in your day-to-day activities and decisions? Why or why not?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages: Psalm 119:9-11,105; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12
