Tech Idols

Things have come a long way from DOS operating systems and dial-up Internet connections. Note: if you don’t understand either of those references, just stop reading now and go listen to Rebecca Black.

With the rate of technological advances increasing with every swipe of a touch screen, how we engage with one another has changed significantly over the years. In the past we would not know the physical whereabouts or emotional states of our friends unless we spoke directly to them; now we can just check their status updates. Before we were able to access emails using the apps on our cell phones we had to rely on the postal service to spread information to and from family members who lived cross-country. We can watch movies, work from home, order groceries and cleaning services and kill video game opponents all without getting up from our couches. And there are new advances every day.

With these advances, though, come new challenges. Today there is a level of social awkwardness creeping into our lives as teens and young adults lose the ability to develop and maintain relationships with other people. Without the need for human contact, virtual relationships have replaced face-to-face interactions.

While social incompetence is becoming a problem between people in society, technology is also obstructing the interaction between people and God. The more connected people are, the more disconnected we become. The more time we spend surfing the internet or perusing our shows on DVR is the more time we take away from God. Every hour you spend chatting is an hour you’re not reading His word. Every new episode on TV you watch takes away from time you can be spending in prayer. You may not consider technology an idol, but anything that you allow to take priority before God is just that.

I’m not saying throw your laptop out the window and cancel your DVR subscription. And I’m not saying technology is bad. Technology is wonderful. It is creative, convenient and is progressing our society in pivotal ways. The developments in technology are making strides in the medical community, bringing increased awareness to social injustices, saving the environment and, of course, spreading the Gospel to people all around the world.

We just have to be careful that all of these innovations exist to glorify God, and are not being utilized for self-gratification. “’I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ – but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, NIV).”

“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14, NIV).”

Use your wisdom for the greater good. Don’t worry so much about the advancement of society, but instead the advancement of God’s kingdom. I promise, He’ll take care of the rest.