I hope today’s lesson can be of use to youth ministries, counselors, Family devotionals and family home evenings. My current object lessons are taking a different slant. Instead of using objects around the house, I’m employing humor to teach a serious topic. We’ll see how it works eh?
Joke: Joke: Major Technological Breakthrough
Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device, trade named: BOOK
BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It’s so easy to use, even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere — even sitting in an armchair by the fire — yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here’s how it works:
BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.
Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKs with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.
Unlike other display devices, BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, and it can even be dropped on the floor or stepped on without damage. However, it can become unusable if immersed in water for a significant period of time. The “browse” feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an “index” feature, which pinpoints the exact location of selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional “BOOKmark” accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session — even if the BOOK has been closed.
BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS). Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK’s appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
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I have always enjoyed this humor piece. It can teach a very valuable lesson. Today many people think Christian values are old fashioned. They choose living together over marriage. Some will use dishonesty to achieve personal gain. Others will steal possessions they did not earn. Many feel that the Ten Commandments are restricting and thus choose to not follow them.
There are many people who would disagree that the ten commands are restricting. By obeying the speed limit we are less inclined to roll over in a car crash due to excessive velocity. When we choose to be honest in our conversations we gain a reputation of trust and people are more inclined to work and establish a business relationship with someone who keeps their word.
In today’s society we may often be tempted to act in ways that are self-serving. This may be a good time for us to be reminded of why the Ten Commandments are still important. Here are just an idea each to the usefulness of the 10 commandments.
1 You shall have no other gods before me. When God is first we live our lives with an eternal perspective. We know there is life after death where we see to live with God the Father. Thus he becomes our beacon.
2 You shall not make for yourself any carved image. We may have many passions and interests and goals in our lives. But when we keep God first and family second that can influence our life decisions. It can influence the caliber of person we are or seek to become.
3 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. When we honor someone we treat them with respect and thus we don’t want to misuse our ‘Heavenly Father’s name. Such respect can flavor other actions in our lives.
4 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. It is always nice to recharge the physical boy and the spirit. The Sabbath gives us an opportunity to devote a full day to God.
5 Honor your father and your mother. Family relationships can be influenced by a positive interaction between parents and children, husband and wife. It begins at home and positive behavior can influence neighborhoods, towns to cities and stretch to nations.
6 You shall not murder. One cannot restore a life. Violence has short term and long term consequences.
7 You shall not commit adultery. Being faithful to commitments says much to one’s trustworthiness and how others perceive a person.
8 You shall not steal. Not stealing can not only influence how we handle another’s possession but the emotions behind stealing can also bear negative consequences. Greed may eventually become an obsession. We may lose perspective of the value of work for what we get and numerous other lingering motivations.
9 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. When we don’t lie we don’t ruin another’s reputation. We don’t soil our own character by verbal misdeeds.
10 You shall not covet. We can be tempted for all kinds of misbehavior because we want something someone else has. Just the comparison alone can make us feel unhappy.
Please feel free to make alternative comparison of old technology such as a book and how it is still a valuable resource. And discuss the still relevant benefits of the values of the 10 commandments.
If you have another way that his joke could be implemented please feel free to post it in the comments second of this blog. Or there may be a different moral you want to use as an example. I wish success to each of us in our endeavors to keep working on living the 10 commandments.
