Lead me not into temptation

The more I explore the nature and content of my Doctoral studies, I marvel each and every day at the sheer volume of, and ease-of-access, to seemingly endless libraries and other online data services. And I know it’s only the tip of a giant digital and cyberspace technology iceberg. I can now be “in the clouds” without ever leaving terra firma. On my journey as spiritual teacher and artist, I cannot avoid the pressing temptations to be evermore on the cusp of the latest user-friendly, seeker-friendly, and viral strategies, to disciple people and to reach them with my art. But, do we communicate better, or just more? Is social media an oxymoron? Did Jesus mean “follow me on Twitter,” or is there room for a Faithbook to hear His voice? Sometimes the temptations overwhelm me, and find myself in a flurry of signing up and on for every latest app. But, to no avail. The novelty usually wears off in about a month. In ministry, I am very aware that the most recurring problem in relationships is a failure to communicate one-on-one, for which there is no substitute, technology notwithstanding. I seek solitude in my studio and once again find my friends, the humble pencil, a sheet of Stonehenge paper, and my silver and gold stylus to do a metalpoint drawing. There is no app yet to sharpen my pencil and stylus. I am on my own. Lead me not into temptation Lord, to presume hearing You is a complex technologically challenging encounter.

“Living Bones 4: the ecstasy of line,” by Gerrit Verstraete,2012. Cat.No. 1212. Silverpoint on Museum Board mounted on canvas board ( 28 X 22 / 71.1 X 55.5 cm ).