A death of a creator
In the beginning, after the creation accounts the Bible records, “God saw that it was good.” Though not expressed, I imagine there’s an immense amount of joy and pride that was felt by the creation in their Maker.
For sometime now as I followed the MacWorld expos, I could see Steve Jobs sharing a small glimpse of this joy in the creation/updates of his products. Though I’m not aware of any expressed Christian faith in Mr. Jobs’ life, because he is a creation made in God’s image – though marred in every aspect by the fall – he was able to display a glimpse of God’s character and quality through the common grace, which is offered to all creation. And boy did he display those qualities!
IMHO, I gotta say that there was something about the Apple products that are out of ordinary. They are so technically functional yet so aesthetically pleasing and intuitively consistent – that a toddler would be attracted by it and can fumble their way into working a personal commuter/smartphone/tablet.
And yes, as many old folks have posted, my very first computer was an Apple. A big clunky one. Unwanted one, because it was a birthday gift that I didn’t ask for and it was my parents attempt to turn me into a geek – which they have succeeded – but nevertheless, I fell in love and there’s no going back. I’ve been a loyal owner of every Apple product line except the IPad.
(Btw, it was sobering to find something that I owned in my childhood to end up in a museum.)
In the span of past some 30 years, the transformation that took place in the personal computing world is just unbelievable. And through its constant changes, a small company called Apple has become an innovative mainstream company that is now setting the bar. And it is remarkable how the vision and commitment of one man can bring about such difference.
If you haven’t take some time to read Jobs’ commencement speech given at Stanford in 2005.
But here’s a paragraph that challenged me:
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Steve Jobs understood Genesis 3:10. That we are naked. And perhaps, this realization drove him to excellence – knowing his limitation and temporariness as a creation. So he gave his best in doing what he loved the most with the time that he had. But I wonder how Mr. Jobs’ life would be different if he realized Genesis 3:21. That God desires to cover the nakedness of His people. That our Creator is in the business of renewing His fallen creation in Christ. One can only wonder.
But all that to say, thanks Mr. Jobs for leaving an indelible mark on the digital world and in my life.
