It’s only been 35 years since the first cell phone call was made. On this day in 1973, a Motorola researcher took his experimental cell phone (it was the size of a brick) onto a New York City street (on-lookers were perplexed) and called his arch-rival at Bell Labs (smooth). A new era was begun.

We’ve come a long way in 35 years. My cell phone (also a Motorola!) is smaller than my wallet; many experts believe landlines will soon become irrelevant. All of this is fun and fascinating, but what does it really matter? So what if phones are smaller, lighter, and with more features?

At times like this, we need to remember God’s common grace. Wayne Grudem says it like this:

“Common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation.” Bible Doctrine, 273.

I’m getting ready to preach from 1 Timothy 6:17-19 on Sunday, and verse 17 reads:

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy…“

It’s easy to spend our days complaining about what we have, wishing for something better, or simply going through life indifferent to the marvels around us. We can glorify God much better by 1) giving thanks for his gifts, like cell phones and 2) enjoying what we’ve been giving.

What expressions of God’s common grace have you been grateful for and enjoying recently?

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