Reflections on Computer Upgrades and Faith
Dear Sir Knights in Christ:
I have the opportunity to purchase a new computer. I am currently limping by on a Macintosh Quadra 610 (which is the equivalent to a 286 for you PC users) which runs and the incredible slow speed of 25 MHz. I’ve been able to cruise the internet by upgrading the operating system to an OS 8 but it is still like driving a Model T Ford on I-75 during rush hour. The modern software applications have become too technical for my poor computer to handle. It is now time to retire it and purchase a new one.
Since I am a hopeless Macintosh (Apple) fanatic, all of my PC friends have advised me to make the big switch. Even my wife Kathy tells me that I can get more computer for less money by purchasing a P.C. But all of my software is OS formatted and I love ClarisWorks (the first fully integrated word processing program). I tried out the new Imacs and the G4s and fell in love with them. With these machines, I can run both P.C. and Apple programs, thus having the best of both worlds.
I can hardly wait to get my new computer on line and into operation. I know that many of you who use computers know the joy of upgrading to more memory and faster speeds.
What has this to do with our Christian faith? My brother Knights, how long has it been since you have upgraded your faith? Paul informs us in his greetings to the Thessalonians that our faith should grow.
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly….."
In his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 10:15) Paul states….
"…. But having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly"
Paul also gives us a clue how to increase or upgrade our faith in Second Corinthians, 8:7
"Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also"
We can increase our faith by understanding the fundamentals of our Christianity, reconnecting with our community of believers, and prayer. We can upgrade our faith simply by attending church worship, bible study and daily prayer.
My brother Knights, we all want the fastest computer with the greatest amount of memory in order to take advantage of the newest software. Why settle for less in your faith? When was the last time you upgraded your faith? When you do, you have the comfort to know that although your computer will eventually become outdated and obsolete, but your faith in Christ never will.
Fraternally yours in Christ
Sam Witherup