Decades before even half the advancements we use today, AW Tozer wrote:
"Modern civilization wears us out by multiplying distractions...destroying our solitude...These modern playthings, like pet tiger cubs, have grown so large and dangerous that they threaten to devour us all...no spot is now safe from the world's intrusion. One way the civilized world destroys men is by preventing them from thinking their own thoughts."
He cites "modern playthings" like the newspaper, the telephone, the radio, and a TV. He could not have imagined that one day we would carry all of those things and more in our pockets at all times.
The image of a pet tiger cub is very telling. It's cute and attractive. Everyone likes the idea of a pet tiger cub while paying no mind that this cub will grow into a powerful and dangerous beast which could easily devour.
Even now it is far worse than Tozer could have imagined, and we are destroyed for our lack of time in a quiet solitude. We would serve our hearts well to relearn at least some level of solitude and simplicity. Those are the places the heart and inner life is cultivated and grows.
I am challenging myself to retire from the world and unplug each day to a spot of privacy...even for a few moments. This is the entanglement our hearts crave. We need to get to these places until all the surrounding noises begin to fade, so we can sense God's presence a bit clearer.
The Little Tiger Cub in our Pockets
