Wireless networking

August 15, 2007

By Randy Mantik

I’ve been learning a little bit about wireless networking, or Wi-Fi for short. For the uninitiated, it means you can take a computer, put a wireless network card into it and through the signal it emits connect into any other computer in the system and even scan the Internet, no cables required. I can take a laptop anywhere in my house and be connected to our main computer. I can also take a laptop to a wireless hotspot in a café or library and be connected to the world!

Wi-Fi has gotten me to thinking about how people seem to “emit” things at times. The emissions can be good or bad; let’s consider the bad variety.

“[The Children of Israel] traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!’ ” (Numbers 21:4,5, NIV).

Do you think one day out of the blue the people just started to complain and criticize? Their bitterness had been building under the surface and festering. I’m sure small groups had gathered in their tents to express discontent. And that discontent spread rapidly and invisibly. The Israelites didn’t realize it, but they had some very advanced technology working for them — a classic example of wireless networking!

What was the root of those problems? The Israelites forgot to focus on where God had brought them from and where He was taking them. They forgot it was God himself who promised to get them to their destination. They forgot Moses was the one God had appointed to lead them to the Promised Land.

Any of us can fall into the same trap. Our facial expressions speak volumes. Our silence does too. Wireless networking isn’t just a technological tool; it’s a pretty powerful communication tool as well!

Jesus said, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). When you check your own “fruit” is it sweet or bitter? What kind of atmosphere are you helping to create at home, at work, and at church by the thoughts and attitudes you emit? How about the fruit of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ?

Is there constant yammering going on about what’s wrong with the church or the pastor or about what needs to be fixed in the lives of other people? Or do you hear about who and what they are thankful for and about what brings joy to them and to the heart of God? As the old computer user’s adage goes, it all pretty much boils down to “garbage in, garbage out.”

If you are tempted to link into the wrong “wireless network” of criticism, jealousy or negativity, try saying three simple yet powerful words: “God is good.” It’s good for what ails you! If once isn’t enough, say it again. Let the truth of that statement sink in and change you in spirit and mind, plugging you into a wireless network that goes straight to the throne room of God.

Randy Mantik is senior pastor of Crossroads Church of the Assemblies of God in Pembine, Wis.