“the average person checks their phone every 12 minutes”- Rick Warren
The hours we spend on screens, unrelated to work, are hours during which we are not doing other things. And it represents a significant chunk in life in which we are not available to people who are physically present in our lives. This message from Pastor Rick really ministered to my heart and I hope we can create change for the younger generation.
THE SPIRITUAL HAZARDS OF DIGITAL TOOLS
(smart phones, iPads, laptops, internet devices, etc.)
- I can waste precious time.
Life management is time management. Some things aren’t necessarily wrong, its just not necessary.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16
- I can be seduced by the worlds values.
Social media amplifies the worlds voice and we carry it everywhere we go. We are to love the people of the world, dislike the values. Every time you pick up your phone, you’re seduced by the wrong value system. Our phones desensitize us to sin. It is a new source for old temptation.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
- I can be drawn into unproductive arguments.
You know social media trolls who want to hook you in arguments? Be humble or you’ll stumble!
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[a] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. Titus 3:9
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:36
- I can be tempted to compete and show off.
There’s a new form of sin called social media. We put ourselves in the best light possible, parading it online. I can’t be in a moment while trying to capture a moment!
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
- I can get addicted to the approval of others.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
- I can be distracted from what’s most important.
There are millions of things constantly coming at you on your devices. If you’re spending more time on your screen than you are with Jesus, then you are distracted. 5 minutes with Jesus and 3 hours on a screen? Who do you think you’re going to emulate?
But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:40-42
So, whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
HOW CAN I USE MY SMART PHONE FOR GOD’S GLORY?
(Purpose Driven Technology)
- Use it to express my worship
Listen to songs and scripture. Use your phone as a worship tool.
All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5
- Use it to encourage fellowship
Show affection and generosity by reposting other accomplishments or posts. When you encourage other, God’s going to encourage you.
Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Use it to enhance my spiritual growth
Bible programs, sites, apps, bible studies. Go to a site that will help you grow as a godly woman/man. Be a good stewardship of your money by buying a Christian book. Drive time devotions. Pod casts.
Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Keep me from looking at useless things. Let me live by your word. Psalm 119:37
- Use it to expand my ministry.
Think of social media not as a place to show off/talking about self. Serve and encourage and help other people.
What can I give back to God for the blessing his port on me? Psalms 119:12
- Use it to extend my witness.
Purpose driven technology! You can take the gospel around the world from your bedroom in your pjs. With phones everyone is a publisher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through Christ, God has made peace between us and himself, and he gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with Him… So we have been sent to speak for Christ! 2 Corinthians 5:18,20
Publish God’s glorious deeds among every nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 2 chronicles 16:24
Do you own your phone or does it own you? Are you the servant or the master of your phone?