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Insight #11 — Y2K and the Christian

[Written early in 1999]
Where will the “Y2K computer bug” find us on Saturday, January 1, 2000? Some, as in the ostrich fable, have their heads in the sand. Others, like Chicken Little (“the sky is falling”), are prophesying “the end of the world as we know it.” Yet others have pointed out that the biggest problem with Y2K may not be computer technology at all. Rather, the main problem may be what happens because of false information and public panic.

The “Chicken Littles” are hoarding a year’s worth of food, candles and bullets. The “ostriches” will not prepare for anything. How about comparing this with something we are more familiar with: the family car. If you get into your car today, you could get killed. But you get into your car anyway. You don’t wear a helmet, but you do fasten your seat belt. You don’t trade your car in for a tank, but you do practice defensive driving and you do pray to the Lord to keep you safe.

What will it be like on January 1, 2000? Since I am no prophet nor son of a prophet, I will offer no prediction. Rather, to the “ostriches” I quote Proverbs 27:12: “A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Then, to the “Chicken Littles” I quote Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Don’t listen to the “prophets of doom,” who are making fast bucks off the worrywarts. Rather, meditate on 2 Peter 2:1-3 and Matthew 6:25-34. On the other hand, don’t listen to those who “know” that everything will be all right. Rather, meditate on James 4:13-16. A Christian should neither panic nor shrug it off. We should become informed, take sensible precautions, and then leave the rest to the Lord.

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