Jesus Geek

By now many of you have heard of the news that Steve Jobs died yesterday due to complications from his long battle with pancreatic cancer. The world has lost an innovator, a thinker, a visionary, and one of the most influential contributors to the modern world.

I don’t know why I’m compelled to write these words. I have no emotional attachment to Steve but for some reason I have a sense of loss. Maybe it’s because the world has lost a man who chose to challenge the status quo. His leadership at Apple was sometimes described as harsh but it got things done and pushed the PC industry forward kicking and screaming at times.

Whether you use a Windows PC, Linux or some other handheld device that’s come out in the last 5 years it was influenced by Apple. It was influenced by the innovation and creative brilliance that Steve Jobs brought to a stuffy, myopic, and stagnant industry that was screaming for change. Steve Jobs at the helm of Apple brought that change.

Many people credit Steve Jobs for all of the innovation and creative genius that has emerged from Apple but I look at a man who assembled individuals who were all very good at what they do and formed a team that brought the world some of the most beautiful and bold pieces of technology to date. Steve’s vision and ability to pick the right people for the job made Apple successful.

Apple CEO Tim Cook shared these words with Apple employees yesterday:

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Let me repeat something, “We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life…” I hope that one day someone will send a notice to my friends and family stating the same thing about me. I want my life to be celebrated when I die. I want to know that I made a mark on the universe, no matter how microscopic it may seem.

That may seem like an ego trip but I don’t think it is. As a Christian I’m called to change people’s lives by telling them about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Hopefully, I’ve made a mark on someone’s life. Hopefully, one day my extraordinary life will be celebrated too. Not because I made millions or changed the world but because I changed one person’s world.

Steve Jobs was 56 when he died. Some say it was too soon. Others say it was inevitable. Others, to my disgust, even used the news of his passing to thump their political pulpit. Steve Jobs touched all of our lives whether we realize it or not. He showed us all how to “think differently”.

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