Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 177:706 (Apr 2020)
Article: Keep Your Head Up
Author: Mark M. Yarbrough

BSac 177:706 (April-June 2020) p. 131

Keep Your Head Up

Mark M. Yarbrough

Mark M. Yarbrough became President, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas, July 1, 2020.

“Twalking” is a significant problem and a developing word.1 It references what happens when mobile device users attempt to tweet, text, or talk while walking; hence “twalking.” Don’t laugh. You know you’ve participated and experienced the ramifications of this seemingly benign behavior even if just around your home or office.

While we are prone to dismiss the severity of this phenomenon, it’s a real and present danger. According to Dr. Alan Hilibrand, chair of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Communications Cabinet, “the number of injuries to pedestrians using their phones has more than doubled since 2004, and surveys have shown that 60% of pedestrians are distracted by other activities while walking.”2 In many cases, these injuries were severe—even resulting in death. In the United States, it is such a serious issue that lawmakers feel the need to address it.3

Did you know that in some cities walking and texting are illegal? Places like Honolulu, Hawaii, Rexburg, Idaho, and Montclair, California have banned distracting walking due to the rise in pedestrian injuries. It’s a global problem too.4 Some cities, such as Manchester, in the United Kingdom, have painted specific walking lanes for “phone zombies” and have placed padded poles, guardrails,

BSac 177:706 (April-June 2020) p. 132

and even in-ground lights to grab the attention of distracted pedestrians.

And most of the problems would be avoided if people just kept their heads up. It’s that simple.

Spiritual Twalking

While the pitfalls and problems of twalking are real, “spiritual twalking” presents an equally clear and present danger. Unfortunately, many believers today live with their heads down as opposed to up. Why? Because we get weighted down by the stuff of earth.

Often social agendas sensationalize and drive much of the news, social media, and political propaganda we consume. These outlets compete for our allegiance and continually encourage us to gaze at things below, as opposed to things above. And I think we are paying the price. True, we certainly have the responsibility to engage in public discourse, both as people who make and are made by culture and as believers who are specifically called to be salt and light.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe