Fifteen years ago, if you didn’t know something, you either asked someone who had more knowledge and expertise, or you cracked open an encyclopedia. Now, when people don’t know something, there is one simple solution – “Google it.” In an instant, Google provides the answers we are looking for.
There are many benefits of instant information at our finger tips, so many that I don’t think I need to convince you. However, the negative criticism for people growing up in this “Google generation” is that we don’t know how to be patient for anything.
Many young people look at older, successful people and want their achievement now. They fail to recognize the years of blood, sweat and tears that it took for these older people to accomplish their success. Many young adults have unrealistic expectations about what it takes to be successful in the world.
Since everything is instant, we carry this expectation into our relationship with God. I get frustrated when I send someone a text message and they don’t respond instantly, especially if I am requesting “urgent” information. “What could they possibly be doing that is more important than texting me back?”
Whether we open our Bibles, turn on a worship song, or go to church, we expect that God should respond instantly. When he doesn’t, we get discouraged, frustrated, or doubt that He really speaks. God does not operate like Google, and this is a hard lesson for us to learn.
Just consider what Jesus taught in the parable of the four soils. He describes four different soils, or environments where the seed, which is the Word of God, is thrown. Based on the type of soil, the seed’s outcome varies. Jesus explains to his disciples the specific meaning of the parable in Luke 12…
12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 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. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
The Word of God is spreading to the world. There are some that are deceived by Satan and the powers of darkness, and therefore they do not receive it. Others receive it with joy, but because they are spiritually shallow they fall away as time passes and the call to deny self becomes too great. Others are so distracted by their own selfish pursuits that they cannot receive it.
Finally there are those who hear God’s Word and cling to it with patience. This is crucial for the Google generation to grasp. Only in patiently holding to the truths of God is a huge spiritual harvest produced. People who experience and produce the most spiritual fruit are the ones that overcome the need for instant Google feedback from God and cling to His Word with patience.
How has God taught you patience in this instant Google world? We’d love to hear your experiences.
This is an incredible post.. it really speaks to me, because I’m finding more and more often that my patience is very low, whether it be waiting in line for lunch, in traffic, or just to get a move on with the day or week. But I find the more I tell myself “I have no patience, lets goooooo”, the more God has put me in situations where I need to be patient… Like in Even Almighty (the movie with Steve Carrel in it), I know that when I’m personally lacking or struggling, God just gives me more and more opportunities to use His Word to become closer with Him, especially with patience… Thanks so much for this post, it speaks deeply to me:) God bless:)