Many of my neighbors in the subdivision take regular walks; some with pets or spouses, and some solo. Recently there was a man walking by himself, phone in hand, head down, lost in some other world. While he was in my view, he never once raised his head or looked around. Completely unseen by him was this magnificent late summer sky right over his head.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

That mans’ oblivious walk is symbolic of age-old sins manifesting themselves in new ways. Walking head down, absorbed in a tiny screen in your hand is near total self-absorption, failing to notice the earth, the sky, or the people around you. And that thing in your hand? It’s simply the latest and greatest idol.

Now a smart phone is a very useful tool, handy to have in your pocket. You can send and receive messages instantly, you can pull up a map to get directions, you can check the weather or your calendar, and listen to music. But this thing intended to be a servant has become for many a master. You can’t leave home without it. It demands to be checked by sending out beeps and chimes and vibrations. It’s an interface that protects you from having to deal with the real world and other people. Have a question? Ask Siri or Alexa. Feeling blue? Tell Siri to play a song, Feeling sad? Hey, Alexa, show me a cat video. Lonely? Just chat with a robot.

The Apostle Paul said this about our deliberate obliviousness toward God:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:19-23

Or. 

Or you can put that thing on mute and return it to your pocket. Then open your eyes and breath the air and listen to the sounds. See and greet other people. Look up and know that there is a God who made all this, Who wants to love you, and wants you to love Him back. He made this world for your enjoyment and benefit. There is a God to whom you can turn and find forgiveness for your sins, to make you a new creation, to one day bring you home. Look up, for heavens’ sake, and live!

To Him be all the glory.