Technology And Our Heart

Technology in today’s world is integrated into many aspects of our lives. Apps keep us up to date. Devices keep us connected to loved ones and our church family. Work tasks are increasingly done remotely via online meetings. Consider the role of technology in your life in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and the shelter-in-place our federal and state governments have created. These changes in our typical schedules have had the potential to draw us into technology with a much greater propensity and has become a vital and even necessary connection tool for many of us. Yet, this integration of technology can have a dramatic impact on our daily lives, including our spiritual walk. While Scripture doesn’t mention terms like “breaking news” or “CDC reports” or “Facebook feed”, it gives us concepts which serve as heart checks to consider how we are stewarding our hearts and our sound minds at all times, even in the midst of an event like COVID-19 (2 Tim. 1:7). Below are a few concepts and questions to bear in mind:

What am I prioritizing?

Concept: Stewarding my time is a key aspect of sanctification in Christ.
Consider: What consumes my time and thoughts in today’s world? What am I meditating on…media reports or God’s Word?
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:15-16

Where am I showing discipline?

Concept: Each of us is gifted with different strengths and also different weaknesses.
Consider: How is my media consumption affecting myself? My family? What am I willing to abstain from when it is not edifying my sound mind and heart?
“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” – 1Th 4:4

How am I showing balance in my reactions?

Concept: Reacting well to different, uncontrollable circumstances is a sign of maturity and growth.
Consider: What is my natural inclination when news seem unfavorable or my freedoms or desires are not granted? How do I answer the question, “If ______ happens, then I feel _______.”? How do I demonstrate worship by turning toward Christ and truth when disappointed instead of turning toward fear?
“And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:3-5

What am I reciting to myself?

Concept: Scriptures on our heart and mind ground us and encourage us amid difficult circumstances.
Consider: What Scriptures can I recite and believe right now that bring encouragement when I hear a friend’s anxiety? How completely do I turn toward and trust in God’s providence in the midst of distressing times?
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Is. 26:3

---

For Further Information:

12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You 
Author: Tony Reinke
This 211-page book identifies twelve potent ways our smartphones have changed us – for good and bad. It calls us to cultivate wise thinking and healthy habits in the digital age, encouraging us to maximize the many blessings while avoiding the various pitfalls.

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place
Author: Andy Crouch
Making conscientious choices about technology in our families is more than just using internet filters and determining screen time limits for our children. It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. And it’s definitely not just about the kids.

Following Jesus in a Digital Age 
Author: Jason Thacker
In Following Jesus in a Digital Age, you will not only be challenged on how technology is shaping your walk with Christ, but you will also be equipped with biblical wisdom to navigate the most difficult aspects of our digital culture—including the rise of misinformation, conspiracy theories, social media, digital privacy, and polarization.

Print This Article