What We Trust Impacts Our Sight

by Eric Elkin

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

— John 14:9

Did you sing the song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" as a child? The song was intended to inspire trust in an all-powerful God. Yet, today, the song seems a little dated. We rightfully needed to gender-neutralize God. However, that did not truly render the song ineffective. The truth is, my cell phone compromised the power of the words. Today, through technology, I have the whole world in my hands.

There is more demonstrative power in a cell phone than in the hands of God. That may seem like a heretical kind of thing for a pastor to say, but for many, it is true. Try to convince a child that a great big pair of invisible hands are holding the universe together in loving care. They most likely will counter your claim with images of war, famine, poverty, injustice, and human suffering. All things they can show you evidence of through their cell phone.

Children can travel around the globe through their cell phones, even into deep space. They can track others and/or be tracked through this electronic device. If they need immediate help, they are more likely to call for help than turn to the Lord in prayer. The cellphone produces results and is with you all the time.

Do you realize how much we have all grown to trust cell phones? There are many good reasons for trusting these amazing little devices. They keep us connected, allow us to record memories, and help direct us through life. I only realize how deep my relationship with my phone has become when I cannot find it.

“This is the iGods’ alluring and dangerous promise—to place us in the center of our own self-reflexive universe. But what if we don’t necessarily know what is best?”

— Craig Detweiler

What we trust impacts our sight. The memories I capture on my phone are static. Even when the image includes motion, I cannot touch the people or objects I see in the picture. As connected as I am to my phone, something about it keeps the world beyond my grasp. Something about life I cannot hold in my hands.

Tulips are starting to bloom in my backyard. I will take pictures of them and share their beauty on social media. People will comment on their colors and the blessing of Spring. But that image cannot capture the feeling of soil when planting a bulb. Nor will I feel the silky smooth stems in my hand. When I touch these flowers, I can feel the work of a Creator God.

Philip's words in the Gospel of John are very relatable. Almost daily, I hear myself praying, "Show us the Father." Jesus responds by telling him the Father is all around and present with him; he only needs to open his eyes.

These are good words for us to hear. The power of God is all around us in seen and unseen things. Perhaps for a moment, we can put our cell phones down so we can see the real power of the universe. Don't just look at flowers or people. But see in them the power of a Creator God who brings dormant things to life.

Click to read John 14:6-14