Although the infographic below highlights many of the extremes of smartphone bling, the question still remains:
Are we spending too much on our smartphones?
At what point do our iPhones become iDols?
At what point do we crossover from using technology as a tool, and becoming a tool of technology?
[Click for Larger View]
Where should the line be drawn for a Christian?
Are we spending too much?
Does it matter?
#FirstWorldProblems
[via geekaphone | Image via mag3737]
Lee says
Is the title of this article supposed to be spelt like that?
Eric Dye says
Uh, no. #FAIL
Joanna says
You can accessorise your phone for a lot less if you buy the non-branded accessories on ebay. Sure they technically might not be as cool but they do the job
Eric Dye says
Very true. 🙂
mark Robinson says
Something much more important has been missed in this post. You mention it as being a first world problem but say nothing about countries like the Dominican Republic of Congo where the precious metals used in our phones are mined. These are countries torn apart by war as people fight over control of these natural resources.
Our demand in the western world is directly responsible for the excessive demand on these resources which in turn drives the wheels of corruption in those nations.
So, as Christians do we need to watch our how much we are spending on smart phones? It’s pretty obvious that we do which is why this year when I am due an upgrade I will be thinking twice before I take the plunge.
This ain’t a first world problem. It’s still a massive third world problem and we are a major part of the cause.
Eric Dye says
Thank you for saying this, Mark. You should write-up a post about this for us. Seriously.
Mark says
thanks for the encouragement
Eric Dye says
😀
Charles Cherry says
You touched on a subject near and dear to my heart. I second the comments of @mark Robinson above.
This is what I believe: as long as members of our own family (i.e., the Body of Christ) are going without proper nutrition, clean water, access to basic health care, and many other necessities of life, we who have much will have to answer to God for every dollar we spend (waste?) on “fluff,” “bling,” “useless toys” and such.
Jesus said “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt 12:36-37).
I think, based on the over-abundance of Scriptures indicating how God feels about the poor and needy, and how He wants us to respond to their needs, that the above could easily say that “people will give account for for every careless dollar they spend.”
I don’t believe it is morally wrong to have nice things. I do believe it is morally wrong (and sinful) to have nice things while at the same time neglecting the needs of the poor. I saw a study recently which showed that the Church in America allocates less than 2% of our giving to global poverty relief. The average person in the pew in a medium size church gives about $10-12 dollars a week. Most of that meager amount is allocated to church staffing, building and maintenance, and American organizations (colleges and universities, local charities, etc.).
So, my answer to the question of your post is, “Yes.”
Eric Dye says
😉