Those were other times
Those were other times when on special and perfumed paper we used to write a love letter knowing that the recipient would feel certain emotions and keep it. The cybernetic world today has changed everything, including our personal relationships and communications. Today we send emails and pictures, but the paper cannot be substituted because the screen doesn’t smell, and to touch a piece of paper cannot be replicated. Books and letters can be stored as valuable things, meanwhile our devices are limited and the information cannot be stored for ever because the systems are changing constantly.
With Scripture and all the versions available on the internet, still I prefer to hold the paper books. When we need to communicate the Word, I am conservative and I prefer to use the Bible in my hands. What we read is the same as what we can read from a tablet or IPhone, but the paper creates a special atmosphere. When I study or read, I like the paper, and when I open the Bible I enjoy the “aroma” or the “fragrance” of the Word. “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
It is my personal preference meanwhile many prefer to use their IPhones or a tablet. The main issue is to know that “We are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
Centuries ago in antiquity, those who were triumphant would be received with sprays of good perfume or a scent. Our salvation by Jesus can be a good fragrance over us and our presence will spread it wherever we go. With the paper we enjoy feeling the texture and sometimes a light smell of an old book can create a special atmosphere when we read the Word. When I read the Bible, the paper seems to have life that can lead us to another life. It is like the Glory of our Lord is present in a simple, warm way unlike a cold and impersonal screen. With paper we don’t have to be worried about resolution, megabytes or enough battery or a good signal in the area.
When I read and pray, I choose a quiet room and I love to feel the paper in my fingers. It is the same sensation that you have when you are reading this message in the newspaper.
In spite of technological and scientific advances, the communication between human beings will continue to be difficult. It is the same with our communication with Christ because everything needs an effort of being aware that we have a mission to accomplish established in the Great Commission. The internet is fantastic but we need to use it according to God’s purposes, though it will never take the place of a face-to-face conversation with others. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-1 ESV)
May God bless you.
