Snares of Technology

We’ve been reading a series of devotionals during our evening family time on the snares of technology. It is really convicting. One of the snares the book talked about last night was the snare of busyness. Now, the author is not talking just about computers and cell phones but even cars and the pace of life these things have brought on us. He talks about the fact that we are so busy running here and running there, surfing the internet, “talking” to friends and others on social network sites, texting on cell phones, emailing, watching TV etc. that we don’t have time to do the things that really matter. Families are all so busy on the computers, cell phones and running here and there that there is rarely time left to sit and talk to one another. Even the family meal time has gone by the way side for many. It’s an effort to really connect.

I can feel what the author was saying. My kids are so intent on getting “their computer time” in that it’s hard to get them to take time to do some of the things we need to do. I use Net Nanny and that helps to limit time and schedules when they can be on. But if there is something I would like to do with them when it is “their turn”, I feel the tension.

Then there is me. When I had my own little computer, I found I spent way too much time messing around with it, surfing the net, facebooking, checking email etc. It interfered with my getting other things done that needed to be done around the house. Now it is in TX being repaired I must share the computers with the rest of the family. I am finding that I am getting more done in a more timely manner now. I am hoping that I can establish habits that will stick, so when my computer comes back, I don’t fall into that trap of letting it run my life vs. me using it to enhance my productivity.

Technology can be used for God’s glory. We need to think about our use of technology. Some of the questions mentioned in the devotional to ponder included the following:

1. Will my use of this technology (whatever it be) bring glory to God?

2. Will my use of this technology bring temptations my way that I need to guard against?

3. Will my use of this technology be a time waster or make my time more productive?

4. Will it help me grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ?

5. Can I control my use of it or will I become addicted to it?

Interesting questions to ponder. I need to get off the computer now as it will be taking up time I should be using to put a meal on the table for my husband!