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Thriving in Digital Influence
Febin Johnson
We are in the midst of the most significant technological revolution in the history of human beings, surpassing even the impact of the Industrial Revolution. Never in the history of humankind has seen such vast growth and influence as technology has in human lives today.
Christians across the world have been witnessing the fulfilment of Daniel’s prophecy of the increase of knowledge in the last days (Daniel 12: 4). The digital world is characterized by the widespread adoption of digital technologies such as the internet, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, are restructuring every aspect of human life. It all began with the desire for easier life management and the pursuit of satisfaction and pleasure.
Digital World
Living in this digital world, we often forget that we can become addicted and feel like slaves to the devices we rely on for our easy lifestyle. Instead of dominating them, we become controlled and obsessed with their endless use. We now live in a world where screens control almost every aspect of our lives.
However, we should not ignore that digital screens can interfere with everything we do, from our sleep patterns to our creativity. Instead of conquering the world, we have become slaves to the world through the impact of digital technology.
Scrolling through social media content and reels diverted us from using our time wisely to focus on God and His word. Knowingly or unknowingly, we became captives of digital confinement. Here are three ways how we can thrive in the enslavement of the digital world:
a. Construction of boundary
Daniel and his friends were cautious of the Babylonian influence to conquer them spiritually, culturally, and emotionally, and ultimately win over their lives. Through the growing influence of the digital platform, the world wants to have the same grip on our lives so that we think and live like the world. We forget the truth that we are not meant to fit in and flow with the world. Instead, we are called to thrive in the enslavement of the world. It is possible only through building a wall of separation from the world.
In Daniel 1:8, we read “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with King’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.”
This shows that he created a clear boundary in the face of the Babylonian world's attempts to influence and assimilate him. He established a barrier amid the king's efforts to dominate and confuse. Despite being forced to live in Babylon, he refused to let Babylonian culture influence him and instead chose to live as a committed Jew in Babylon.
b. Confidence in Identity
As Daniel and his associates were chosen to serve in the king’s palace, the chief official changed their names which honored the true God Yahweh and their identity in Him. The name Daniel means “Elohim is my judge”; Hananiah, “Yahweh is gracious”; Mishael, “Who is like Elohim?”; and Azariah, “Yahweh helps.” Their names were their identity. And it was closely attached to their belief, their God, and their practice.
But they were given a new name that honored Babylonian gods. It was an attempt to confuse and reorient them away from Yahweh and toward the pagan gods of Babylon. This is the same approach that the world takes when it influences us. Through various digital content, we unknowingly give ourselves to be identified with the world instead of standing firm in our identity in Christ. Giving us worldly interests and spreading worldly ideologies in our thinking, the digital world confuses us and deconstructs our faith in Christ.
c. Conviction of nationality
Daniel and his friends viewed Babylonian life as a temporal arrangement and prioritized the Jewish lifestyle significantly. Because they knew they were strangers and foreigners in Babylon and that they were citizens of another country. The inbuilt reality of who they were dominated their outward lifestyle. Thus, they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims (exiles) on earth because their nationality of another country was ingrained in them.
Peter, in his first epistle, addresses the scattered believers as the “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1). Throughout his letter, he reminds the truth of our nationality that we are aliens in this world, (1 Peter 1:17; 2:11). The title “elect exiles” offers a glimpse into the unique identity and calling that we have in Christ.
We are simultaneously God’s chosen ones and exiles in this world. We are heaven’s refugees on the earth, living like homeless and landless, suffering the hardships of not being in our native land. Because our true citizenship is in heaven, (Philippians 3:20).
Not of this world
Standing before Pontius Pilot, Jesus made it clear that he represented another Kingdom. “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).
In this digital world, living as strangers or foreigners means that our identity and allegiance are ultimately rooted in our relationship with God rather than in the worldly influences, circumstances, or cultural norms surrounding us.
We are called to live distinctively, guided by the values and principles of God's word and His kingdom, even if it means being out of step with the prevailing influence of modern technology, and culture or facing challenges as we navigate life in this world.
