Main Title : Information Overload

By Pastor Michael Magbag

Scripture:

James 1:5
New International Version (NIV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

These are the words that describe our times. 

We are living in the era of Information change. The means of spreading and getting information changes, but it flows continually. Before it was newspapers. Then it was radio. Then along came television- and now internet! 

The volume of information available today is beyond our ability to comprehend. We are always at a crossroad with regards to what to believe and who to believe. Every day we are bombarded by an excess of information, making us feel overwhelmed.

Our frantic minds wonder…"Which information should I learn first? How can I possibly learn all the new things that press for my attention? How can I even identify which information is true? AHHHHHHH!!!!”

The problem is that if you don’t learn it or at least know something about it, you can feel quite left out/left behind in this crazy fast paced world.

The fact is, we cannot learn it or know it all. The information which we thought are relevant today might not be relevant next week. That is how fast things change.

Somewhere in all this information, there must be a balanced perspective in order to maximize our limited learning time. King Solomon had this to say on being bombarded with information, “My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books (or google/wikipedia/internet) there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.  The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc. 12:12-13 ESV)

This is what we are to do: decide on the basics first and know what is worth knowing and what isn’t. What is important? Do that first. Second, what are my responsibilities? Learn them well and do them well (Col.3:23). Third, what am I interested in? Select one area of interest and enjoy it. Fourthly, enjoy life. Practice contentment, peace and joy.

"What will it profit a man if he gain the whole world or learn the whole world and lose his own soul?" Don’t get sucked into a lifestyle that has no room to enjoy the life God has given. You don’t need it all. Like King Solomon, asked for wisdom from God to discern to which you can dedicate your life He has blessed you with.