There have been many thoughts expressed about the Y2K (Year 2000) computer problem and how it will affect our lives. Some have said we should not worry because this thing will just come and go with little or no long-reaching effect. They say it will just be a "bump in the road" -- we will hit it, we will feel a thud, and that will be it. Others have predicted everything from short-range shutdown of our personal computers, to the end of the world.
            What are some of the concerns which have been raised, and what should we do to prepare? As Christians, what are we to think, and if necessary, do about this impending event? Does God have anything to say in the Scriptures which might apply to this situation? These are some of the questions which we will address as we continue.
            First, we should examine some of the issues which have surfaced in the last year. These issues have been pulled from television and radio talk shows. We will not provide any supporting references like show name, date, time or station, but you will certainly recognize the questions and scenarios which have been presented. This information is provided as an example of issues which have been discussed.

            The personal computer is the first place the average person considers regarding Y2K problems. These computers have various components which are time sensitive. Some of these components may cause hardware, or software (programs) not to behave as intended. This could cause some software not to function at all, or to simply act as if the year 2000 were the year 1900. It is possible for some older computers to stop working entirely. There are many fixes and upgrades to minimize these problems. It is advisable to completely backup all your critical data before January 1, 2000.

            Most Y2K issues do NOT revolve around the personal computer. The more pressings concerns are related to public facilities which support or provide our utilities, transportation, communication, banking and government services. All of these have equipment of various sorts which use components that may exhibit Y2K problems. Much of the discussion in the media has centered on the possible breakdown of these key facilities.
            Power, gas, water and trash collection may be shut down or delayed depending on how well the various agencies have managed their Y2K problems. How long these systems could be down (if they do go down) will vary from location to location. Some facilities could have no down time at all, having completed all of the necessary modifications. Some could be down for months depending on how much is left undone on January 1, 2000. It would probably be a good idea to have a contingency plan to cover the temporary absences of these basic services.