The Thorns

In 1973, Martin Cooper unleashed something that would change the world.

The device cost almost $4000, weighed 2.5 pounds, and was 10 inches long. It only worked for 25 minutes before it stopped, so you had to be patient.

That device is what we now call the “cell phone.” It litters the landscape of restaurants, churches, libraries, and families.

When Cooper turned 92, the BBC interviewed him. He was startled at the problem he caused with his little invention. The co-host claimed her phone took up about 5 hours of her day.

Cooper was stunned.

“Do you really? You really spend five hours a day? Get a life!”

While the device can be a blessing, it comes with a different price tag. It snags your attention and blocks out life.

Jesus warned about the things in life that got that close. Luke 8 tells the story of the four soils. Only one has potential, while the other three create problems. Of the thorny ground, Jesus said:

“And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” (Luke 8:14, ESV)

Anything that becomes a preoccupation chokes the spiritual life out of people. It is something to concern us.

The next time you pick up your phone, check and see if it has thorns. It may choke you.