Monday, Nov 27, 2022
“Cyber-What?”
Apple Cyber. Light Cyber. Can of Cybernize. Cyber Monday. What do they have in common? Somehow, we can tie them all to Christmas. Since today is Cyber Monday, I guess we can talk about that for a moment. Today, economists are predicting that Cyber Monday will surpass Black Friday in US online sales, exceeding $13 billion. Too bad I didn’t invent something spectacular to capture a piece of Cyber Monday sales!
Cyber Monday didn’t even exist until 2005, yet people are planning to purchase computers, appliances, and all kinds of other stuff that will arrive via delivery trucks. What will you purchase today? While I’m not planning to purchase anything, I’m sure I’ll fall for a sneaky pop-up ad and purchase something (Maybe some new earphones?).
Very little in my life doesn’t require electronics or technology. I’m completely dependent upon rechargeable batteries, electricity, and internet connectivity. I’ve developed my entire existence based upon things that didn’t exist when I was a kid, let alone when my parents and grandparents were young. Not too long ago, our ancestors were catching their dinner in homemade nets and snares. My great-grandparents weren’t too concerned about their neighbors cutting their fiber optics or making sure that they had enough batteries for Christmas morning. Instead, they were just hoping that the weather would cooperate so they could make the long, tedious 20-mile journey to Cousin Eddie’s for Christmas.
One of the things I’ve learned in my advanced state of maturity is that Christmas is important to everyone for different reasons. All of us yearn for something special. All of us want to receive a special gift. All of us want to be surrounded by the people we love (and like) and all of us are hoping that everyone stays healthy this Holiday Season.
I know Cyber Monday is important to our economy. I also recognize that God wants me to be as equipped as possible in sharing a message of hope and encouragement. Although Cyber Monday has no official religious affiliation, I’m guessing that God is going to bless it if I’m able to use it as an opportunity to share something helpful.
So there it is! A helpful devotion for Cyber Monday that calls our attention to some of the more important things in life. If our purchases today help us grow closer to the LORD, it’s gonna be worth it. If our purchases aren’t really going to help much of anything, then maybe we should stop and think about it for a moment.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then the LORD will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, NLT)