Keeping up with the Phoneses

by John Edgerton | published on May 26, 2025

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read Psalm 119:1-16. Then read the devotional, “Keeping Up with the Phoneses.” 
  1. When have you needed to unlearn and update a lesson that you were taught in childhood? 
  1. How do you give yourself grace when learning new lessons? How do you extend grace to others in their learning? 
  1. Have you witnessed a congregation unlearn a past way and learn a new way? What lessons did you learn from that experience? 

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! – Psalm 119:2, 4-5 (NIV) 

Progress is great. One of my favorite things about being born in 1982 is that I’m old enough to realize how great it is that my phone is basically the Marauders Map crossed with a magic talking encyclopedia. 

Progress is not just technological, either. Culture makes progress too, with outmoded ways of thinking and talking and behaving constantly being highlighted. Cultural messages that I thought were harmless growing up, I now realize were problematic all along.  

I double-check beloved childhood movies to see if there are songs that I wouldn’t want my daughter singing in the grocery store (looking at you, Aristocats). “Cowboys and Indians”—definitely out. Using my pronouns when I introduce myself at conferences—definitely in. The Manel (all male panel)—definitely out. Using the most up-to-date acronym when describing what being Open and Affirming means—definitely in. 

Blessed are those who manage to get it all right all the time! Heaven knows that’s not me. 

Or as the psalmist puts it: “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” 

On my good days, I try to live out the psalmist’s words. On my good days, I am working to be steadfast in making progress. I am working to be more inclusive, more respectful, more humble, more curious. On my good days, when I make a mistake and get called on it, I learn my lesson and do better. 

Prayer
God of progress and change and growth, help me make today one of my good days.

John EdgertonAbout the Author
Rev. John Edgerton is Senior Minister and CEO of Old South Church in Boston. He is the 21st Senior minister in the congregation’s over 350 year history.