1:199 – K.I.S.S – Information Overload

#faithbites #faithjourney Information

Setting

I was thinking about all of the information that we are exposed to. So many different points of view, truths, lies, skewed perception, things to do, and more. It reminds me of the 1980s show, Max Headroom where your head could blow up from information overload. Since I’m an analytical person, I try to make plans to handle all of this information. I’m starting to learn that I don’t need to, that I can let it go. It’s time to practice the K.I.S.S principle, Keep it Simple, Stupid! I’m not calling you stupid. We can all do stupid things and when we focus on all of this information at once, it’s just too much.

Today’s Questions: How do we turn off the 24 x 7 information cycle? What can we do to keep it simple?

Scripture

• Matthew 22:35-40 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
• Matthew 7:12 – So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

Reflection

This information explosion is mind-numbing. I’m not even talking raw data where it’s off the charts. I’m talking about ways to get the information, refinements to older data, and new ways of looking at that. Then, we add cultural changing perceptions to the way things were. The old phrase, “Because that’s the way we always did it”, doesn’t hold when we are in a globally connected, diverse, world. All of it is just too much.

Ok, let’s breathe. I think that’s the key, take deep breathes and then K.I.S.S. it. Yes, the world isn’t sunshine, puppy dogs, and unicorns. It never was and never will be. Only our perception of it has changed. The good ole days may have been good for us, but not for others. But, there is one who never changes and one who keeps it simple: Jesus.

All we have to do is love him fully and love each other fully. It doesn’t matter where someone is from, what their take on an issue is, or any new scientific information. It’s all about love. What we need to do is remember God is in control and we are his servants. Everything we have is his and we are his stewards. And contrary to public belief, I’m not naive in this. I know it’s hard but we can do it.

As we close, remember to turn off the noise and focus on God. If it gets too hard, too noisy, K.I.S.S. It in prayer.

Prayer

Lord God, you have given us free will. That free will leads to awesome innovation and invention. We are more connected than ever before. While we should be using this to grow with one another, often we use it to divide. Help us wade through the information overload. Be with us as we try to keep loving you and loving our neighbors. WE pray that you help us build deep connections with all your children, and that is everyone so that we can grow. We pray this in your name, Amen.