We’re hearing a lot about the “Y2K” (“Year 2000”) computer problem, sometimes called the “millennium bug.” Many knowledgeable people as well as many more self-proclaimed experts express widely differing opinions concerning the degree of adverse effects likely to result from this technological dilemma. Numerous theories are being advanced as to what people should do to prepare for and protect against “Y2K.”
While it is perplexing to discern between valid concern and unfounded fear, we do believe that godly wisdom would lead us to sober and prayerful consideration of this issue. Our blessed God has “not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” However, He also tells us, “The prudent man looketh well to his going” (Prov. 14:1515The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. (Proverbs 14:15)). Twice more in Proverbs we are told that “a prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Prov. 22:3; 27:123A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3)
12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 27:12)).
How comforting to know that Psalm 95:4-54In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:4‑5) JND speaks of our Father: “In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also: the sea is His, and He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.”
We have often heard that God is “behind the scenes, moving all the scenes He is behind.” He may always be fully trusted to provide all the wisdom and grace needed to deal with the difficulties of this life, for He is light and He is love.
What causes the “Y2K” problem? Many computer calculations are “date sensitive,” needing accurate dates to properly complete certain tasks or sets of instructions. Some 25 years ago, when much of the existing computer code was being developed, programmers decided to use only the last two digits of our normal 4-digit year. Thus, for the year “1999” a computer sees only “99.” When the year 2000 arrives, computers will see “00.” The problem is that when “00” appears, many computers will calculate that date as “1900” rather than “2000.”
This may result in corrupted operations and, ultimately, incorrect data or, worse yet, computer failure. Serious problems could result, depending on the equipment being controlled by the computer.
Will Chaos Result From “Y2k”?
We don’t believe so. But capable professionals admit that no one knows for sure just what will take place on January 1, 2000. The U.S. government has advised communities to expect possible disruptions in utilities or municipal services. Any computer-dependent product or service could be affected, for even our cars and common household appliances contain numerous computer chips, some of which may be “date sensitive.”
China is an example of the seriousness with which many governments view this problem. In an effort to insure trouble-free air service, the Chinese government has ordered its top airline administrators to be in the air, flying, on January 1, 2000! Surely, Christians who are to be wise as serpents ought not to disregard warnings of such problems.
Scripture is replete with examples of those who, knowing of coming adversity, took wise and discreet action. Noah was moved with fear and prepared an ark as the result of a divine warning. Pharaoh followed Joseph’s advice and averted a terrible famine. Moses’ parents, knowing the fate that awaited their beautiful baby boy, yet not fearing the king’s commandment, built a place to hide him.
In the New Testament our blessed Lord Jesus warns of coming trouble (Mark 13), saying that all should flee to the mountains when it appears. In Luke 14:28-3228For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. (Luke 14:28‑32) He encourages those who would be His disciples to sit down first and soberly consider the cost before starting out.
The Apostle Paul did not refuse to be let down by a basket to escape danger (Acts 9), nor did he refuse the 470 soldiers who protected him on the way to Cæsarea (Acts 23). Yet the centurion’s refusal to heed the Apostle’s warning (Acts 27) not to embark on the voyage to Rome resulted in disaster.
What Should Christians Do?
Pray for personal wisdom and guidance, as well as for “all that are in authority,” that “we may lead... quiet and peaceable” lives. Along with personal, earnest prayer, believers ought to soberly and prayerfully weigh the individual circumstances of their lives in the spirit of Luke 14:2828For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:28), in view of the potential for problems on January 1, 2000.
For example, it would be wisdom to consider such things as travel plans requiring public transportation or long-distance driving during the first few days of the coming year. Also, in view of the often bitterly cold days of early January, the needs of infants, children and the very elderly for water, food, heat and medications should be considered.
We do not advocate storing up massive supplies of food, water or other commodities. But we do heartily encourage each to give sober and prayerful thought to “Y2K,” not dismissing these rightful concerns as merely a lack of faith.
Let’s also remember the whole “household of faith.” Brethren living in “third world” countries may face far more serious disruptions and unrest than we as a result of the “Y2K” problem.
Our Consolation
He who declares “the end from the beginning” (Isa. 46:1010Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:10)) and has promised to give wisdom “liberally” to those who ask of Him (James 1:55If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)) is our one, unfailing resource. His counsel stands, doing all His pleasure (Isa. 46:1010Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:10)). What a solid rock we have in which to put our trust and confidence!
Finally, while we know “that the same afflictions” which we face “are accomplished” in those who are “in the world” (1 Peter 5:99Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:9)), believers have this divinely perfect consolation: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace” (Acts 20:3232And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)).
Ed.