Biblical Use of Technology

Points to Remember

  1. Technology gives easy access to idolatry

    • Define idolatry: Anything that we have love for, are devoted to, and that controls us
      • Example of self as our idol: “whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things” (Phil 3:19)
      • For technology, for example, it can be seen obsession using it
    • Remember:
      • “...for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex 34:14)

  2. God sees everything – there is NO privacy

    • “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb 4:14, 14)

  3. Our desire is always unfulfilled

    • “…the eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing” (Eccl 1:8)

  4. We MUST use self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

Guidelines

  1. Technology is dangerous

  2. Technology is a tool

  3. Technology is often misused

    • “...does not behave rudely, does not seek its own” (1 Cor 13:5)
      • The root of rudeness is self-focused
      • It is rude to use technology at the expense of other people (ie. when socializing with other people)

Some specific applications for us

  1. “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother” (Prov 1:8)

  2. God is not speaking of the Bible here, but applications of it to the family – our family.

  3. Included (but not limited to):

    • This phone/tablet/computer (any digitial device) is NOT a free-for-all
      • It is not for entertainment
      • It is for communication
        • Texting should primarily be for logistics (ie. Bring a book, are you going to be there, etc.) NOT for a long conversation.
          • Example, an inappropriate conversation would be sending emojis back and forth endlessly
          • Not for calling or texting the opposite sex
        • Phone calls can be more social, but limited (prefer FaceTime)
    • Do NOT check the phone constantly (text replies, etc.)
    • Ask us before using it

It is important to use Biblical principles over rules. Human nature will always find loopholes to rules.