Embracing Technology
美佳之窗 His Window 87（ Jul - Sep 2019 ）
Text by Pastor Matthew
As we enter the 21st century, technological advances are the talk of the town. Everyday it seems we are bombarded with new inventions from gadgets to mobile applications, all aimed at making life more convenient and accessible. Things that were once impossible to do, are now made possible. For instance, we have access to information – any information – through the help of Google, anytime, anywhere. Whatsapp, WeChat, and other messenger applications have eased communication. Facebook, Instagram, Youtube are platforms that connects people all over the globe. Technology and its advancements have certainly placed convenience and connectivity in the palms of our hands. However, with such advancements, comes the risk. As much as good information can be obtained, we too can easily get access to bad information. What was created for good, with good intentions, can and has been misused for bad purposes as well. But, does this mean that we shy away completely from the advances of technology? What and how does the Bible help us to embrace and use wisely, such wonderful blessings that God has gifted to us?
1. Control
As with everything else, when we lack self-control, something good can easily be bad. Take for instance – food. Everyone loves food, but lack of control over our diet can lead to health problems. Do we then blame food as the cause of our bad health? Certainly not, it is our lack of self-control that leads to over-consumption, which then leads to health problems. Similarly, when it comes to technology and social media, we need to practice a healthy level of self- control so that we do not abuse and misuse something that is good.
2 Peter 1:5 writes very clearly that we need to add on to our life “self-control” in an effort to live the godly life. What is the godly life? It is a life that is constantly in pursuit of God and His righteousness. Therefore, if we want to honour God and continue to live a righteous life, while enjoying the wonders of technology, remember self-control is needed. Self-control is the very essence of Christian living and if we can practice this value, we will reap its benefits.
2. Guard Your Heart
The advancements of technology have opened us to a world of unlimited information. Almost nothing is hidden from our hearts and minds today. We are all self- professed engineers, doctors, lawyers and preachers, because of the information we can get through Google and many other search engines. However, with such access to good information, bad information is also readily available. This is where the advise to guard our hearts and mind is very important.
Proverbs 4:23 is very clear when the Teacher writes, “...guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guard what enters your heart, because it will corrupt our actions. What are some things that we have to guard our heart against when using such powerful technology? Fake news, false teachings, cults, pornography, and so much more, these are some things that we need to guard ourselves against, lest the devil corrupts our spiritual lives and we fall into sin.
3. Embrace Technology
Finally, instead of shying away from technology, we should learn to embrace technology and harness its power. Technology in the 21st century has opened up doors of opportunities for the church to put its message out there for everyone to see. Today, if the church harnesses the power of technology in evangelism, we can reach out to a much greater audience. Such attitude of embracing technology is really in line with Paul’s sentiments in Philippians 1:18 in which he says, whatever the methods, whatever the motives, so long as “Christ is preached,” he rejoices. While Paul was dealing with certain leaders preaching Christ for personal gain, we can take his principle and apply it into our context today. Whatever the method, through the pulpit or through the medium of technology, both are assets that the church can use to fulfil the Great Commission of Jesus (Matt. 28:16-20).
