Perspective:
Technology: Help or Hindrance?
Nelson Thomas
No one can deny the impact of the digital revolution on our times. We live in an era of rapid growth in every aspect of modern technology. We have achieved so much that our forefathers never even dreamt of, particularly in the field of information technology.
Smartphones and web technology have phenomenally changed the way man communicates. Virtually, everything is possible with a smartphone. Education, consultation, marketing, marriage alliances, socializing, banking, shopping and whatever you name, everything is done today online!
So, the modern man cannot think of a moment when he is not connected. He wants to be updated on everything under heaven. What is the outcome? A wired generation! Always plugged in, they don’t care about anything else. They are in a different world. Sad, instead of using technological innovations as a good servant, man allows technology to master over him.
It’s amazing; there are thousands of young men and women who work freely for certain tech giants. Seldom have they realized that these online promoters, especially of the social media make money at the expense of our time and energy.
Abuse
Many believers also follow the trend. Even when they attend serious spiritual services, their attention is on their phones, checking for updates. Once I happened to see an elderly believer watching YouTube while the breaking of bread service was going on. No doubt there are useful, educational contents available online but it’s dangerous to surf the net without any purpose.
Responding to a call or message in the midst of a programme cannot be considered as a sin, yet it should in the most important cases. Never forget when we are in a spiritual service not only we have to honour the organizers but the Lord God Almighty Himself, who is in our midst according to His promise.
What is the result of such abuse?
We are forced to consume anything that is found in the social media. That will distract us from our primary responsibilities and even corrupt our minds.
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, the unrestricted use of internet and the digital devices is playing havoc in the lives of many, especially the younger generation. Apart from obesity, speech retardation, and other health problems, experts find such people fail in their social skills. They do not have a better interpersonal relationship. They are only comfortable socializing online!
God’s people must be aware of the consequences of such abuse of technology. If the secular world is concerned about the overuse of it, how much more we should be? Apostle Paul says 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)
Priority
Even as we use modern technology for good, we should never become slaves to such things. We should be clear about our priorities. The God-given facilities should not become a hindrance. If a digital device hinders our devotion to the Lord or fellowship with the saints, it’s a big loss. If we cannot set a time to be away from such appliances, it is an addiction.
According to certain experts ‘symptoms of digital addiction is identical in nature to chemical addiction’. In other words, just as we take the addiction to drugs seriously, we ought to look at digital addiction too, for it affects the entire area of one’s life, mental, spiritual, social etc.
Let us honour God, respect His word, and not forget our priorities. God and His purposes alone must be pre-eminent in a believer’s life. Paul adds further, “… those who buy (be) as though they did not possess, 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, let’s use technology but do not abuse it. Undue consideration for the possessions in life is materialism. Let us not be engrossed in electronic devices but use them with caution and discipline. Make sure our Lord is pleased and His name is glorified in all that we do, even when we are online.
NTK
