Information Overload

by HYDON, G.M. | Category: Pressure Points | Feb 2003

The problem

Many of us grapple with numerous sources of information, trying to see which are useful. 'Junk mail' pours in; instruction manuals abound; 'essential reading' escalates; the internet is a seemingly unfathomable global repository of digital information (and misinformation). The challenge of assimilating it all is a source of stress in this 'information age'. Intrusive 24-hour global and local news bombard those in the competitive workplace and create more stress. These are the symptoms of 'information overload'. They bring the attendant danger of our becoming absorbed in indiscriminate and excessive use of the various sources, without isolating the facts that we need to make sound decisions. What is the Bible-based solution?

The precedents

Bible examples are helpful. For instance, how did Adam manage to name all the animals?(1) Adam's unsullied mind was indeed capable of the immense task. Remember, in comparison to Adam, we have not risen in real capability, despite our 'technological advances'. We use, not very well, a small percentage of our potential brain power! Again, how did Solomon conduct his analysis of the multitude of natural events?(2) He had God-given wisdom that excelled all other people of his day. Then consider Moses' assignment: to administer the whole variety of religious, social, ethical and moral problems of perhaps two million people.(3) Where did he find the time? He did not have Adam's sinless mind and he lacked the unique wisdom that Solomon would later display. His problem was worse, because he didn't access a source of success identified by wise Solomon: a multitude of counsellors.(4) In Jethro's words: '"You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone".'(5) In contrast, the psalmist basked in the sunshine of God's innumerable thoughts towards him.(6) Life's complexities are too much for us, but not for God. We might in one respect define deity by an ability to deal with immeasurable information! And therein lies the solution.

The principles

To solve the problem of information overload, logic requires selectivity in our use of sources and ability to reject unworthy material. In other words: learn where to find reliable information and don't get bogged down with junk! It is false economy to apply our time extensively to searches in information libraries, while failing to seek information directly from the Word of God. God's answers are found there and, like all treasures, they are not usually visible on the surface. We can apply the biblical precedents noted above to operate efficiently:

Practise confession to clear our minds. Sin disrupts. We must allow God room to operate more freely within. The selectivity needed to avoid wasting time on useless endeavours starts with putting out the old trash!

Access divine insight. Wisdom is available from God through His word, in response to prayer.(7) So we should learn to pray for the answers then study to find them. The sanctified mind is trained to quickly discern right from wrong,(8) reliable information from time wasters.

Avoid duplication of work. Don't ignore the resource of people who have already done research. This applies equally to Bible study; tools abound, but caution: they require selectivity like other information resources.

Reduce the problem by sharing it. Delegate the evaluation of available material. This approach works well in every walk of life because it captures a divine principle about sharing burdens.(9) Likewise, overseers in churches of God help one another to find solutions to complex problems facing the people of God; they apply the God-given process of Acts 15 to bring more minds to the problems and allow the Spirit of God to unite those minds around the correct outcome.

The Bible - the Word of God - has the answers. However, we must take time, not to just speed-read it, but to be as contemplative about it as the writer of Psalm 119. The description: 'prayerful study' has no effective successor in the information age.

1) Gen.2:19 2) Eccles.1:13 3) Ex.18:13-23 4) Prov.15:22 5) Ex.18:18NASB 6) Ps.139:17,18 7) Jas.1:5 8) Heb.5:14 9) Gal.6:2

HYDON, G.M. | Feb 2003
Pressure Points