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TEXTING …. Over the course of the past several years “texting” has quickly become an indispensable form of communication, particularly among the younger generations. For those unfamiliar with the language, “texting” is sending word or “text” message (of 160 characters or fewer) via cell phone by typing short notes. One of the interesting aspects of “texting” is that there are symbols, words, abbreviations, and shorthand which are all unique to the culture of “texters.” My wife refers to me as a “one-thumb texter” while I refer to those more proficient as “two thumbers.” Here is a glimpse into the “texting” world:
“lol” – means “laugh out loud
“ttyl” – means “talk to you later”
“brb” – means “be right back”
“jk” – “just kidding”
; ) – (sideways winking guy)
: p – (guy with tongue hanging out)
: o – (guy with open mouth)
: x – (kisses)
The most common application of “texting” is person-to-person messaging, but text messages are also often used to interact with automated systems, such as ordering products and services for mobile phones, or participating in contests. Today text messaging is the most widely used mobile data service on the planet, with 72% of all cell phone users worldwide or 1.9 billion out of 2.7 billion phone subscribers at end of 2006 being active users of “texting.” In countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway over 90% of the population use “texting.” The European average is about 85% and North America is rapidly catching up with over 40% active users at the end of 2006. The largest average usage of the service by mobile phone subscribers is in the Philippines with an average of 15 texts sent per day by subscriber.
As a student of the Bible, the word “text” has come to mean something very specific. When referring to various biblical passages, I often refer to “the text” of scripture which are the stories of God’s interaction with men and women through the ages. There are the texts of God’s encounter with Moses, the trials of the prophets, the stories of Jesus’ ministry, and the events of the early church. The “texts” are true and sacred; they are revered, studied, preached, and prayed. In many ways, I have come to understand God’s Holy Word as a series of “text messages” meant for all God’s children. Some of God’s texting causes us to “lol.” Some stories have God saying, “ttyl.” Thinking of different encounters that God has with his people, there is the story of David and Bathsheba I’m sure God had an expression like : o … ohhhh! And then as David repented, God : x …offered his love and forgiveness.
May you know that God is “texting” us now with words from John’s gospel; … with wisdom from the book of Proverbs. God’s is messaging us from the Psalms and the prophets wanting us to hear His voice and to respond to Him in faithfulness and fidelity. May we all become “texters” hearing and responding to the word of God.
; ) Pastor Jay
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