A pertinent reminder…

 

I wanted to write on another topic, but I heard a story on the radio last week that made me and continues to make me think. Listeners were asked to share their views regarding a mother who had given a bank card (debit card) to her four-year-old daughter. Yes, you’ve read right: 4-year-old! She gave her the card and also taught her how to withdraw money… at will…

Of course, almost everybody condemned the mother’s actions; some even pretty harshly. Most thought, just like me, that a bank card should only be given to somebody who is able to understand the concept and value of money. Yet, at an age when a child cannot even count up to one hundred, ten dollars or $1000 do not mean anything.

A listener also explained that it is easier for children to spend without restraint, when they don’t see their money ‘physically’ diminish. She gave the example of her teenage daughter who always pays more attention to what she buys when she realises that out of the £20 note (about $32) which was given to her, she is only left with £10 or less after buying just a thing or two. On the other hand, if that money was not physically in her hand or purse, she would feel she still have enough and would not have the same limitations or constraints.

This was the general line until one listener called and argued that in 10 to 20 years, people will barely use any physical money. She reminded us that increasingly, we could hardly do anything without using bank cards and that children will soon have to pay school canteens with bank cards as well. Therefore, it was better to teach the next generation how to manage money as soon as possible, and teach them to do it digitally/electronically.

This stirred something in me. Soon, very soon, we won’t be able to do ANYTHING without bank cards (in developed countries at least). Nowadays, it is already possible to spend more than one month without using cash ‘physically’. Everything can be done through cards, checks (increasingly outdated) or online payments and transfers. Even mobile phones are now banking tools, TV as well. I can pay my phone, TV and internet bills via a built-in app on my TV and this one doesn’t even need to be connected to a computer. You can have a chip installed on your car and you no longer have to stop at a toll gate. As you approach, the chip is flashed, recognised and the amount is automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card. You don’t have to worry about putting coins aside for this purpose. You can also have a chip implanted on your right wrist and this will greatly facilitate many formalities at the airport. You flash it and all your details will appear on a screen and what eventually needs to be paid is deducted from your bank account or a credit card. There is no need for physical money. Needless saying that this also allows Big Brother to know exactly where you are and what you are up to…

Yet, around 90 AD, the apostle John had a vision of the end times. He saw a beast -the Antichrist and his system- causing all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead. And no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name (Rev 13:16-17).

When I became a Christian a little more than 20 years ago, this seemed absolutely incredible. Internet and mobile phones did not exist and nobody could imagine a world where it would be impossible to buy or sell without any form of physical money. However, it is now obvious that this is where we are heading to; but John saw this in the spirit more than 1900 years ago as a sign of the END. It was more than an accurate prophecy of the things to come; it was a warning against difficult and perilous times. All this reminded me that everything the Bible says is true. It is really the Word of God, and Jesus is coming back soon. Let’s watch, pray and ponder over a message which has disappeared from many preaching pulpits.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, who hear and keeps what is written in it, for the time is near. Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come. Rev 1.3-4

Have a ‘wonderblessed’ week.