Remotely in Control
I don't know if you've noticed, but there's just something about a man and his remote control.
While the television remote has been around for more than seventy years, it has only been widely used in the last few decades. Some of us old-timers can actually remember having to get up and walk over to the television to change the channel. And some of us even remember, as kids, being the remote control for our parents.
Actually it was in 1952 that Zenith introduced a remote called, appropriately enough, "Lazy Bones," which was attached to the television via a long cable. This wasn't a popular device as there were so few channels to change. Three years later, the "Flash-o-Matic" appeared--a flashlight that when shined toward light-sensitive cells in each of the four corners of the TV would perform different remote functions. This device proved to be a problem, however, if the television was placed near sunlight. The sun's rays would play havoc on the operations of the TV.
A group of engineers then developed the Zenith "Space Command," a wireless remote using ultrasonic waves, in 1957. It worked pretty well, except for its functions being affected by clinking metal, such as dog tags, and its high frequencies making dogs bark. In spite of its drawbacks, the ultrasonic remote was used for two decades until engineers discovered the infrared remote control. Now the infrared beam pointed in the direction of the TV gives viewers--especially male viewers--control of their television from the comfort of their easy-chair.
We humans do relish control, don't we? With the advent of such new technologies, we can now remotely control not only our televisions, but also our sound systems, home appliances, and even vehicles and industrial equipment. Smart homes are also increasingly using remote controls for lighting, climate control, and other appliances. There are even some high-tech toilets that use remotes! I am not sure I am ready for that.
I do know I have struggled adjusting to cars with key fobs, though I think people have looked at me like I was driving some kind of Flintstone-mobile when until recently I was still using a car key to start my engine. And for that matter I have had my issues with the new door locks at our church building that use key pads and remote fobs to open the locks. But I am sure in time I will join the 21st century and apply my love for remote controls to other devices.
There's just something about the awesome power of pushing a little button and gaining instant control of our environment. Some things, however, were never meant to be in our control, no matter how much we might wish otherwise. God, in fact, has a plan for each of our lives, and ultimately, that plan always involves our recognition that we are not in control, and that He is. It is submission to His will--His control--that is at the heart of true Christian discipleship.
I have to admit, I don't always like that; I'd much rather be able to control my situation, especially if I could just find a device that would allow me to change things I don't like with the push of a button. But that's just not the way life is.
The truth is, there is a comfort in allowing God to graciously control our lives, and a security that comes when we learn to trust His sovereign plan. What soul rest we experience when we don't have to worry about tomorrow. What peace we know when we realize we don't have to control our little world, not even "remotely." He is in control!
In closing, I wanted to thank you all for your prayers and support, and acts of kindness, to Nan and me after the passing of her father, Cecil Gentry, this past weekend. He was certainly one of a kind, and we were blessed to have him in our lives, and in our church over the past year. We will surely miss him. A Celebration of Life service will be this Saturday, July 19, at 12 noon at Shelby Crossings.
May the Lord bless you richly. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
