rhythm+hue

Imagine…

June 9, 2008

I know this sounds like it could be about John Lennon or picturing a better world, but no, in fact it is about Apple opening a new store here in Australia. Sydney in fact, and the fervor, gossip, and excitement that is building on the net and amongst the Apple user community around the store opening on June 19 and the imminent release of the iPhone here.

But, while I am an avid Apple user and will be one of the first in line (hopefully and figuratively speaking) to get one of the new iPhone’s, I was reading an article today about the new store opening on the Sydney Morning Herald site;

If you’re planning to pop in and check out the new Sydney Apple Store when it opens for business on Thursday next week, be prepared to wait in line. If you want to ensure you get in early, you might consider camping out overnight.

It’s not a stunt. There are hardcore Apple fans who will do this; their only reward, a free T-shirt if they happen to be among the first 2500 customers through the door.

Disciples like these have been doing it for several years with the opening of each of the new flagship Apple stores around the world. Despite this being winter, they’ll be lining up again ahead of the official opening at 5pm on Thursday, June 19.

I had also been reading a thread yesterday about some supposed boxes that have arrived at Apple retailers around Australia, with instructions not to be opened until after the Apple WWDC Keynote.

What struck me while reading the article, and based on what I had been reading previously, was not the technology or the facts but in fact, the passion, excitement, and devotion amoungst the Apple community for the launch of the iPhone and the store.

Could you imagine if we (the church) had that same passion, fervor, excitement, and devotion about even the smallest events or functions of the church? Imagine, those feelings being exhibited when we exhibit Love in our community, or bless someone with simple actions such as feeding them a meal, showing hospitality or sharing a coffee? Or, our prayers?

I get excited about technology as I love gadgets and especially Apple gadgets and software, but while I have advocated for Apple in the past, I must question myself as to how much more I was an Apple disciple more than Jesus’? So, why don’t I, for that matter, the majority of the Western Chirstian faith, exhibit more Apple-like devotion in our lives? I know it is easier to be devoted to something I use everyday and enjoy using - but shouldn’t our prayer lives and immersing ourselves in the Word of God be the same? However, I hope and pray that we NEVER have that devotion for opening a church building!

I may add more to this and I know others have seen many other parallels (the evangelical one and how missional many Apple users are springs to mind) have probably been looked at many times - so please let me know if you have come across anything similar.

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