When is the last time you googled something? if you are like most people, you probably consult the internet search engine numerous times every day. In fact, in 2019 Google received over 63,000 searches per second on any given day. That translates into 3.8 million searches per minute, 228 million searches per hour, 5.6 billion searches per day, and at least 2 trillion searches per year,
Most of us remember the days when we actually had to go and look things up! But the American Dialect Society chose the verb “google” as the “most useful word of 2002” and it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary on June 15, 2006. Recently I heard of a parent explaining that they were actually older than Google (not to be confused with a googol which refers to the number 10100). To which the child replied, “No way!” (Google launched in 1998 by the way.)
So why is it so popular? It’s because you can find the solution to a problem you can’t solve, and the answer to a question you can’t figure out, and most importantly, you can BUY the product you want, or think you want. Not only that, but Google’s search algorithm learns from users’ web activities and gives them MORE and MORE of what they want!
Jesus warned his people to beware of false teachers. He said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matt 10:16) He knew there would always be people in the world who were pushing products, agendas, and ideologies. Regardless of the technology, it’s been that way since Adam and Eve.
Jesus warned His people about getting drawn away from God’s narrow way and into worldly paths. In Matthew 7:15 to 20 Jesus equips his people to be able to evaluate the options and make wise choices. Read chapter 7 again to see how Jesus is preparing His people for a world filled with beautiful truth as well as deceptive error. God knew His people would need that skill whether dealing with idolatrous neighbors, enslaving enemies, unscrupulous charlatans, corrupt politicians, dishonest hucksters, or just honestly deceived folks looking for answers.
If you don’t believe me… just google it! J
In Christ,
Kurt Jones
P.S. By the way, we are having a great discussion on Sunday nights at 7 pm on the topic of racial reconciliation. We’re discussing Dr. George Yancey’s book “Beyond Racial Gridlock” chapters 2 through 5, but you are welcome to join us even if you haven’t read it. Email me for the Zoom details – Kurt@valleychurch.org