If you were around in Nigeria about 20 years ago, there were no 24-hour satellite TV channels, no mobile phones, no internet, no social networks and very few families owned cars. Also, a greater percentage of the population occupied the lower class.
Things have changed these days; even small kids pull smart mobile phones around. I’ve seen kids trying to swipe laptop screens because they believe that everything with a screen must be ‘touch screen’. If you are always on the go, you can even afford to carry your 24-hour satellite TV with you everywhere you go – in your pocket; internet and social networking have become our way of life. Similarly, many more people have graduated into the middle class. Life is seemingly much better for many people.
Of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with these things, but only if you have them under control. I believe the warning in Deuteronomy 6: 10 – 12 will be very appropriate at this time:
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
In other words, don’t just eat and be merry and forget the Lord your God. There is nothing that we have that God has not given us. Be careful not to let the gifts turn you away from the source. Consciously lead yourself into a deeper relationship with God. You can even use these ‘things’ to aid you on your journey. Stay in control!
Chidi Ukandu's Blog 