But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7
Do you think God is concerned what OS runs on your computer? My contention is this is a case of yes and no. Yes, He cares, of course. No, not in the sense most people think.
In the social sciences, we make broad sweeping generalizations. We know that generalizations are generally useful but never quite accurate. Still, nothing in history would make any sense at all were it not for identifiable trends in human behavior. History is the heart of social sciences, and Church History is a subset. In Church History we note that many major moves are a result of groups espousing a particular view that fits generally on a continuum between two poles.
On the issue of hearing from God, we note there are two extreme views. One, that God gives a specific word to a specific person about a specific situation. This assumes the recipient has trained his spiritual ears to hear this word. One is obliged to ask the same question tomorrow, for the answer may change. Two, God expects us to learn His principles and act accordingly, because He never gives a private word to anyone about anything. Rather than triangulate a Hegelian Dialectic answer, we should declare both to be true, because the polarization is artificial.
We know that Paul got a clear word from God about his mission journey toward Galatia (Acts 16:9). While it was indeed an unusually important issue, it establishes the principle that God does so communicate when He deems it necessary.
On the other hand, by far most of what we do requires no a special word from God. Paul knew beyond any shadow of a doubt how his fellow Jews would balk if he brought an uncircumcised pagan along with him (Acts 16:3). So he took the obvious step. Reading the example, we see that Paul prayed for guidance, of course, but simply acted upon his best understanding until told differently. Paul charged ahead with presenting the Gospel to his fellow Jews (Acts 13:14), though he never shrank from sharing with Gentiles, too. When the Jews made it clear they would not permit him to work this way, he decided he would no more go to Jews (Acts 13:42-47). He was simply acting in accordance with known principles of Scripture, and needed no special revelation from God.
What does the Bible say about the GNU General Public License (GPL)? One might construct any number of different answers from the Bible. If Paul felt a distinct calling to the Gentiles, was Peter wrong for going to the Jews (Galatians 2:9)? Both were following the best understanding they had, taking into account what they knew they could or could not do. Thus, it's hardly justified to say the GPL is godly while other licenses are sinful. You can most certainly claim you are called to adhere to the GPL, as well as to ignore it. Nor do you need to assert either position as a word from God.
Back to the first question: Does God care what OS you run? Of course He cares, and He may even give you a specific word about it. However, it's more likely you will come to a decision based on how you know God, and how you know yourself. And on any given day in the future, that knowledge may change, and the decision change with it. The more deeply you know your God and yourself, the less likely the changes will be frequent, or dramatic, and the more likely it will be decided by circumstance. That is, you will have come to the place of eliminating a lot of things, and the field of choices left become relatively similar.
One more thing: Paul traveled extensively within the Roman Empire. This is the same empire that John roundly condemned (literally or in type is immaterial, Rome was evil) in his Revelation. Did God use the evil Roman government, with its oppressive taxes and harsh military rule, to enable Paul's ease of traveling with the Gospel far and wide? Obviously, yes. Can God then call you to run an OS that isn't the most fun for you, isn't the most comfortable, isn't your first choice? Again, the obvious answer is yes. He can also call you to run the one that is less secure and stable.
If you claim Christ as your Lord, you must acknowledge His lordship over your computer, too. If you are His, you are called, called to serve His purpose. To the degree that computer figures in His calling, to that degree the choice of OS and software are important to Him. Your obvious choice is the one that best enables your service. Anything else is a hindrance.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Ed Hurst
16 November 2003
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