Everyone has a cell phone, right? In fact, if you DON'T - first of all, way to go; I respect the heck outta you! Secondly, raise your hand proudly. These things are now such a huge part of life, it's kinda scary. Now, for those who DO have a cell phone ,how many of you have had that cell phone that recently did an update? A little inconvenient, right? It seems like every time I turn around, my phone is telling me there's a new update available. And apparently, this update is going to make my phone faster, safer, smarter, and improve the quality of my life!

HOWEVER, when I do all the things you gotta do to get the update, when my phone restarts, everything pretty much looks the same - except they've moved three buttons and now I can't figure out how to set my alarm!

And it's not just our phones. Computers are constantly updating, too. You sit down at the computer to get some work done, and Windows announces that it's time for an update. And it doesn't ASK - it just tells you, "This may take a while." And suddenly what was working five minutes ago will be unavailable for the next 2 hours, it seems.

Software updates are only part of the problem. Every year, the companies that make these things announce that they've developed something even better. There's a new phone, a new computer, a new tv, a new smartwatch. And each new model comes with features that apparently make the one we bought last year hopelessly inadequate.

But wait - my phone was FINE yesterday. It made calls. It sent messages. It took pictures. It gave me directions. I could get online with it. So why do I NEED an upgrade? It's because they TELL me I need one. Did you know there's actually a term for the idea that products are designed or marketed with a limited useful lifespan. It's called planned obsolescence. We are living in a culture where products are more easily replaced than repaired, where newer models are constantly being introduced, EVEN IF THE OLD MODEL STILL WORKS.

Now I bring that up because if we're not careful, this upgrade mindset - the "I need the 2.0 or the 3.0" way of thinking - influences the way we think about everything, even our relationship with God. What do I mean?