I love technology. It helps me work more efficiently, connects me to people far away, provides me convenience, and provides resources to God's Word like never before. However, in this age where technology is all around us, where we have ready access to information and gadgets, I would like to remind all alike, the dangers that lurk.
1. Shallowness
Behind the Google searches, website skimmings, replies/comments posted around on facebook/twitter/4-square, lie the danger that we are being unknowingly made shallower. We have slowly but surely lost the ability to think deep. When was the last time you manage to read a book? When was the last time you manage to sit in a quiet corner and think thoroughly about the issues that really matter? Or are you constantly responding to your 'beep'? The 'beep' constantly distracts us. It causes us to put down what we are doing, and pick it up. And in the process, all focus and concentration is gone in an instant.
We are constantly distracted. And this causes to have shallow thinking which in turn leads to shallow living. Obviously shallow thinking results in you doing poorly in school, but worse still is, it causes you to just rush through that bible reading program which in the end, you don't know what you have just read.
Slow down instead of trying to multi-task between watching tv, answering whatsapp and reading the bible online. Slow down, do fewer things well than many things badly.
Focus. Concentrate. This will in turn lead to deep thinking, and on to deep living. Deep living in meditation and application of God's Word in your lives. This is a far better choice than constantly worrying about the notifications that you have missed.
2. Independent Isolation
No, i am not talking about you being a responsible, independent person. I am talking about you being socially independent. You have all the 'friends' on facebook and from that latest multi-player game. You will less and less needy of real friends in real life. You started to get disinterested in real people. You feel that talking to real people is a waste of time. Better back to talking to my online friends where i can log in and out anytime i want. Online friends will not criticize you. They will not tell you that you ought to show more concern to your family members. They will not tell you that you ought to play a more active role in the home. Let's just get on with getting that special weapon/spell to kill that last stage monster.
The commands of the bible to love one another, to bear one another's burden have completely vanished into thin air. Who needs to observe all these when I can just lock myself up and enjoy my virtual world with virtual friends. Just remember to call me for meal times and wash my laundry.
3. Self-Centredness
I don't need self worth from the real world. I have thousands of friends who 'like' whatever i say or whatever picture i post. Even if it is a purposely formed 'ambiguous' statement used to scold that particular enemy of mine, my 'friends' will still 'like' it. Whatever complains, grumbles, dislikes; tons of my 'friends' support me.
But occasionally, when I get few 'likes', i start to jump. Why is no one noticing me? And on I go being distracted at noticing when the next 'like' notification comes in.
I am the center of the universe. I want attention. Whatever I post, be it wrong or not (and seriously, in these days, who tells you whether you are wrong or right), as long as people 'likes' it, i am satisfied. I do not care whether I am scolding someone indirectly.
The Cure
Does the above describe you? Probably all of us fall into this category. How then should we respond to these dangers?
1. Instead of Shallowness, Achieve Depth.
And depth can only be achieved with constant meditation and application of God's Word (Psalm 1:2). And that is why Solomon can write so many proverbs as he constantly meditates upon God's Word and creation. Identify the beeps that distract your meditation. Think deeply about how to live our a particular verse. As a pastor puts it, "You have not really understood a passage till you know how to live it in your daily life."
2. Instead of Independent Isolation, Give your hearts to one another.
And i have probably spelt out the very definition of what it means to be a church. Besides singing praises to God, I am concerned with that brother, with that sister whom i have the ability to help, or is facing a difficulty that I have faced before. Just Paul says to the church in Thessalonica, "i wish that your love for one another will abound more and more". What is the second greatest commandment?
3. Instead of Self-Centredness, be God centred.
What is God to you? He is not a jackpot machine, not a cash teller, not a genie. There can be no other answer than He is your King, He is your Master, He is your Lord, He is your Father. What does that mean to you?
thanks!
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