Tangled In The Technology Trap

Today’s advanced technology is allowing us to live in exciting times. Most everyone has a home computer, a laptop, an i-phone and/or a smart phone. Technology today gives us Facebook, text-messaging, picture messaging, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and more.

Since social media offers so many avenues to interact with people 24/7, we have the opportunity to be more social.

Although modern technology and social media have many benefits, it is also a potential stumbling block to our relationship with God and others.

The easy access and the availability of current telecommunications gives us a false sense of intimacy with others. It is also takes away from time that could be spent with God.

If you are not careful, today’s accessible social media can be a trap that you may un-intentionally fall into. You may begin to neglect the two most important things in life, the two things that God values the most- God and people  (Matthew 22:36-40).

I was so excited when I first bought my smart phone, a year ago. It was fun being able to so easily connect with others.

My faith, however, was greatly challenged when I purchased my smart phone. The constant temptation to check my email, respond to an email, or write a tweet or see what was happening on Facebook, was distracting me from my Bible reading and/or prayer time.

At first I didn’t even realize how much time I was spending on my android, how much time I was taking away from my time with God.

And I am a pretty disciplined person.

Smart phones and social media not only test our faith, they also challenge our time with those around us.

Many will be on their phones while in a social setting and don’t even realize how antisocial they are being.

If you were sitting in a room with two people, it would be impossible to try to have two completely separate conversatinos with each of them. Neither person would be getting your full attention.

So, then why do we text someone while spending time with someone else? We deceive ourselves with thinking this this is okay, when in reality this is very unloving.

We are becoming poor listeners because of our preoccupation with our gadgets.

Modern technology and social media is making us more desensitized to God and to those around us.

It seems we are becoming people that don’t even know how to interact with others face-to-face anymore. We tend to express ourselves more comfortably through a text, a tweet or Facebook post than we can in person.

When I was a youth leader a few years ago, there were a few teen girls that I was mentoring. They would text message me in depth, sharing their struggles with me. It was great. I was so impressed at their ability to share from their hearts.

However, I began to realize that when I would see them at youth group they would be quiet, almost unable to talk very freely with me face to face. It made me so sad.

This is the norm though. Most people will share more openly, more courageously, more boldly if it’s not in person.

So, what is the solution to this modern day problem?

I believe we need to first of all be aware of how much time we give to our social media outlets.

After doing a self-evaluation in this area, you will need to make some boundaries with yourself in regards to all technological gadgets and social media.

Here are some suggestions:

~Put your phone on silence while you read your bible. This means no checking your phone until you have spent some quiet time with the Lord.

~Tell yourself no checking Facebook until after 8 pm and then only for one hour.

~When you are in your car driving, place your phone in the glove compartment. At least promise your won’t check it while you drive.

~If you are with another person (s) check your cell phone at a minimum. Who ever is texting you can wait for your response. Besides, if it’s an emergency, they will call you.

Having healthy boundaries with your smart phone takes discipline. Although being disciplined is painful, the results will be that you will be a more grounded individual, able to give quality time to God and to those around you.

Besides, as followers of Christ, we are to have more self-control in all areas of our lives.

Social media has a lot of benefits when used appropriately, so let’s respect it’s value. To read a good blog post on the benefits of Social Media check out my son, Roman Randall’s blog on The 10 Commandments of Social Media.

Step one is stepping out of denial and admitting that you need help. So, be honest with yourself. Is social media taking you away from God and from others?

Please leave me a comment below on what your biggest challenge is with modern technology and social media. Also, please share if you have other boundaries that help you with having more discipline in this area.

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” ~ Hebrews 12:11.

Photo Credit Picture One: Google Images 

Photo Credit Picture Two: Google Images