Technology is designed to be a tool that serves and informs us, not a master that dictates how we live. Through science, entertainment, and communication, technology makes our lives easier and more enjoyable. Because God gave us the ability to develop and advance technology, we should thank Him for this convenience. Unfortunately, many Christians do not use technology the way God intended. Technology becomes an idol when we start to worship our devices instead of worshiping our God.
Genesis 11 is an example of technology gone rogue. Once the people on earth misused the tools they were given to build a city, God confused their speech and it was impossible for them to communicate effectively. As we continue reading this passage, we see that God refused to make the speech understandable because the people were rebelling against Him. Once something becomes an idol, it becomes God’s enemy.
God wants us to use technology; however, He wants to remain first in our lives. For some of us, our whole lives are attached to technology through text messages, email, calendars, and more. The more connected we are to these things, the greater the tendency for us to move further away from God.
GETTING STARTED
Imagine how it would feel not to have cell phones. Have you ever misplaced or broken your cell phone, tablet, computer, or video gaming device? What was your initial reaction?
LET’S GET PERSONAL
On any given day, social media encourages us to keep track of followers and friends. Problems arise when we are trying to gain and influence more followers for ourselves than for Christ.
Scroll your timeline and take note of the many ways people try to create more attention for themselves. Now take a look at your own posts. Do they reflect an attempt to highlight yourself or God?
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
- Take an honest evaluation of the amount of time you spend using technology each day. Compare that to the amount of time you spend studying the Bible and in quiet time with the Lord. Which do you do more?
- Make a list of at least three ways that you and your family can decrease your amount of screen time and increase the time you spend in the Word.
- Share that list with small group members, friends, or colleagues and ask them to help keep you accountable.
RENEW YOUR MIND
“Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”