People Are Not Machines
Siri and Alexa are changing the way we interact with each other. Siri is the name of Apple’s virtual assistant available on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers and Alexa is the name of Amazon’s virtual assistant and comes into our homes on an Amazon Echo or Amazon Dot.
These “assistants” answer our questions or do simple tasks for us like setting an alarm or adding an appointment to our calendars. Alexa can go a step further by ordering a pizza for us or calling an Uber to pick us up. Someone says: “Alexa, order me my favorite pizza from Dominoes” and the pizza is on its way. Or, “Alexa, play me a Chris Tomlin song” and the music starts playing. Convenient, quick, efficient.
In an article dated June 7, 2017, USA Today asks the question: “Alexa, Are You Turning My Kid into a Jerk?” It seems that our children, especially our youngest children, are learning to be demanding without learning the social norms of saying “please” and “thank you.” Alexa and Siri do not require a “please” when addressing them. Nor, is a “thank you” expected. Instead, our children are learning: “give me what I want now.”
Kids undoubtedly have a tougher time distinguishing between the machine of Alexa and the person of Mommy. Once again, a technology that is helpful and convenient has some unexpected and undesired consequences. If we are not careful, all of us will fall into the trap of treating each other like machines rather than like the individuals God has created us to be.
In 1 Corinthians 11:33, we are reminded to regard each other as people and as family within the church. When you come together to eat, welcome one another. Notice each other. Interact with each other. Celebrate the new life found in Christ together as you celebrate the opportunity to walk through life together as brothers and sisters. Care for each other. Show concern for each other. Welcome one another.
The word translated “welcome” in the CSB brings with it the notion to “expect” one another and to “wait for” one another. In other words, just like you would around your Thanksgiving table, wait until everyone is present and if a seat is empty inquire as to where that person is. When they arrive to join the feast, let them know you are glad they are there and then begin to eat.
As church family, you are missed when your seat is empty. The worship service is not the same when you are not present. You are welcome because you are family. We should be looking out for each other in that way. That’s what family does.
I’m grateful for the church family God has allowed me to connect with at Mansfield Baptist Church. I’m thrilled to be a part of it. It is an incredible joy to walk with Christ alongside those fellow believers. We are family. I hope you have a church family, too.