These Modern Playthings

These Modern Playthings
(A. W. Tozer, 1897-1963)

"After He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening had come, He was there alone." Matthew 14:23

Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions, and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again.

Where is the solitude to which we can retire today?

Science, which has provided men with certain materialcomforts, has robbed them of their souls by surrounding them with a world hostile to their existence. "Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still" is a wise and healing counsel. But how can it be followed in this day of the newspaper, the telephone, the radio and the television? (Andi: And might I add, the Internet?) These modern playthings, like pet tiger-cubs, have grown so large and dangerous that they threaten to devour us all!

No spot is now safe from the world's intrusion!