The Influence Of The Printing Press Continues

In a dimly lit room in Germany, a man sets huddled over his desk arranging wooden tiles. He strokes his beard thoughtfully as he squints in the candlelight. Finally, he places the tiles on a bulky, homemade contraption. This was it—the invention that would make or break the destiny of Christendom, making books available to all.

 

Words inked by Gutenberg's printing press would revolutionize Europe, and to this day, every library and bookshelf owes its existence to that man. In 1997, Time-Life magazine declared Gutenberg's invention to be the most important of the past one thousand years. No invention since Gutenberg's printing press has been more influential; until, perhaps now.

No, we are not on a continent struggling to emerge from the Dark Ages (though sometimes I wonder). Most can read and we now take books for granted. However, as never before in history, virtually limitless information is brought to us via a single tool: the internet.

 

In years past, it was only an elite few who harnessed the ability to broadcast information on a large scale. Now that responsibility has been placed in the hands of any—man, woman, boy, or girl—able to click a button.

 

Everyone has access to this updated version of Gutenberg's printing press. It's so easy and potent. Yet the greatness of any invention is not the object itself, but how it changes the world through its existence. A printing press doesn't matter unless people's minds are changed for the better from the words that are printed.

Words—written, printed, or spoken—have a powerful influence on us and those around us whether we realize it or not.

 

Do we only take what we've learned and tuck it into our brains to catch dust—have we truly learned anything?

 

Do we live what we believe when it comes to studying and reading God's Word or other valuable resources?

 

Do we assume our nation—family and friends alike—is doomed because they are not open and willing to learn from that which is written, printed, or spoken?

 

Action is how change happens.

 

By God's grace He will use written, printed, or spoken words, to affect people's lives so that change does occur for the furtherance of His Kingdom and for His glory alone.