I recently saw a poster with an Apple Watch on it. It was not an advertisement. Instead, it showed the different small components of the watch, along with a quote from the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs. He said, “We are here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else are we here?”
I don’t know if Steve Jobs made this statement when his new watch began production, but the poster’s point was clear. This little watch had made a “dent in the universe.” The world would agree with that statement. Jobs’ watches and other products, such as his smartphones, are everywhere. Hundreds of millions of people spend multiple hours a day on them. They use them for almost every aspect of their lives. Many experts point out that applications on these devices have led to addictions for millions. The hours spent on them have led to depression and even suicides. Now, many cannot imagine life without them.
The poster did not examine the negative aspects of these devices. It said that a small machine that could easily fit into a person’s hand had changed the world.
Steve Jobs was an innovative genius. From what little I know of him, he was not a believer. But I wonder if he realized how silly his statement was. In light of the vastness of the “universe,” he had to know, in the final analysis, how insignificant his watch and other inventions were. He knew our world is smaller than a speck of dust in that universe. He believed that the universe is here by accident and has no purpose. What difference would it make how many people used his watch or whose lives were changed by it—even if it were all for the good? He hasn’t put a dent in the universe. The universe is not impacted in any way. I have to think that his question—“Why else are we here?”— led him to despair. This despair was compounded by the fact that he died at a young age from cancer.
The NT paints another picture of this universe. The things of this world will one day all pass away (2 Pet 3:11). But Christ will come and rule over all of it. After 1,000 years, He will create and rule over a new universe forever (Rev 20:4; 21:1-5). All believers will live in that kingdom with Him. But the King has promised that those who are faithful to Him will also rule with Him (Luke 19:15-19; Rom 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12).
What will being a ruler in His kingdom and new universe be like? What new experiences will that involve? What new “inventions” will we see? What blessings will the rulers in that kingdom bring into the universe? Will they produce things that glorify Christ and have eternal benefits for all those in the kingdom? Undoubtedly, the answer to that last question is “yes.”
The NT only gives us glimpses into such things. Many Christian writers have correctly pointed out that rewards in the coming kingdom will be greater than anything we can imagine.
I have a confession to make. Even though I don’t own an Apple Watch, I own a smartphone. I use it all the time. I couldn’t drive to the local grocery store without it. I have no idea how it works, but I am impressed.
But I realize it has no eternal value. Do any of us want to make a dent in this universe? The way to do it is by believing in Christ for eternal life and being faithful to Him. Those who do will rule with Him forever. That is why we are here.
