No one can deny the impact of the technological revolution of our times. We live in an era of rapid growth in every aspect of modern technology. We have achieved so much that our forefather never even dreamt of, particularly in the field of information technology.
Mobile phones and web technology have phenomenally changed the way man communicates. Virtually everything is possible over the internet. Education, consultation, marketing, marriage alliances, socializing, banking, shopping and whatever you name, everything is done online! According to some statistics more than 25% of the world population using the web for various purposes.
The trend today is to be on-line always. He can not think of a moment when he is not connected either through a cell phone or a computer. He wants to be updated on everything under heaven.
What is the outcome? A wired generation! Always plugged in to some electronic gadget, they don’t care anything else.They are in a different world - digital world. Sad, instead of using the technological innovations as a good servant, man allows technology to master over him.
I am not aware of the condition in other countries, but in India I see an abuse of electronic devices. Many Christians also follow the trend. Even when they attend worship meeting, their attention is on their mobile phone! We can see them rushing out to take a call in the midst of a service. I have seen during some conferences, the participants misusing the wireless internet facility, surfing the net even as they sit before the word of God.
What is the result? One young man says from experience, ‘after spending 18 hours daily playing online games for a couple of weeks, I was unable to speak, made mistakes while writing, could not look at people while talking’. Yes, unrestricted use of internet and the digital world is playing havoc in the lives of many, especially younger generation.
Apart from obesity, speech retardation, and other health problems, experts find such people fail in their social skills too. They do not have a better inter-personal relationship. They are only comfortable in socialising before a computer!
God’s people must be aware of the consequences of such abuse of technology. If the secular world is concerned about the overuse of internet how much more we should be.
Apostle Paul says it poignantly, “All things are lawful to me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12
Even as we use the modern technology for good we should never become a slave to such things. We should be clear about our priority. The God-given facilities should not become a hindrance. If our mobile or internet hinders our devotion to the Lord or fellowship with the saints, it’s a big loss. If we can not separate a time away from such appliances, it is addiction. How long shall we stay connected any how? Let us honour God, respect His word, and forget not our priority: God and His purposes.
Paul adds further, “….those who buy as though they did not posses, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.” 1 Corinthians 7:30c, 31
Yes, use but do not abuse. Undue consideration for possessions of life is materialism. Let us not be engrossed in to electronic devices or internet but use with caution and discipline. Make sure our Lord is pleased and His name is glorified in all what we do, even when we are on-line.
