Bowed Heads

I walked through a crowded marketplace . . .  of bowed heads.

I mused the rarity in these times of actually seeing someone’s face dead-on or making eye contact with those about us.

How far do we travel without one?

Ever before us, eyes are glued to a 4” LCD.

It’s our memory, our secretary, our social plug-in, our can’t-leave-home-without-it idol.

Masses covet the latest and greatest models with features and apps a-plenty.

It’s the modern miracle labeled cell phone.

I reflected on my week and remember seeing them everywhere. At every event, activity, and venue the participants and audience alike were mesmerized . . . and distracted.

During banquets, concerts, movies, even rush-hour traffic those around took the current prone position. I attended an instructional band workshop my son was in. While an internationally known conductor (flown-in from out-of-state) was making his presentation, one of the adult chaperones played Sudoku on her smart phone.

Everywhere I look are bowed heads.

Sometimes, when I think of idols, I think they must be enormous monuments reminiscent of Nebuchadnezzar’s 90’ statue. But an idol doesn’t have to be huge to hold your heart—some can fit right in your back pocket. (And sometimes they’re not even visible at all!)

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia gives this definition of an idol: “…giving to any human creation devotion which belongs to God alone.”

Let’s not limit this condition to teens. Or to just cell phones, laptops, and i-whatever. Many hearts have been given over to gadgetry of all sorts.

Does something other than prayer or worship consume more time with a bowed head?

If there is something we must hold in our hands and gaze, it can still be held loosely in our hearts.

May we keep from worshiping anything other than You. Jar us when we don’t.

A 2012 Series: Idol Awareness

~A Saturday Post~

...to be continued next Saturday.