Paying for Bondage

Technology poses one of the greatest threats to holiness and purity for disciples of Christ. While its power can be harnessed for great benefit and use, such as connecting loved ones, allowing robust studying, relaxation and entertainment, and convenience, technology’s drawbacks are often acknowledged but too readily dismissed. We likely overlook and downplay the true cost of technology on our spiritual development because we seek to protect our idols rather than tear them down.

​Reflect on these statements and note how many of them are true for you:

• My phone is the first thing that I interact with when I wake up
• My phone is the last thing that I interact with when I fall asleep and throughout the night when I can’t stay asleep
• I check my social media apps/feeds out of habit or boredom
• My app usage totals to more than 4 hours a day
• I often complain of being tired and drained of time to get things done
• I often feel worse after spending hours binge watching TV shows, scrolling newsfeeds
• The thought of living without my phone/computer deeply frightens me
• Despite losing the battle with pornography for years, I still MUST have access to my technology
• Despite small victories, I routinely use technology to gratify the flesh I am called to “put to death”

 
Whenever I am working with someone on their anxiety, depression, or compulsive pornography consumption, I gauge their technology use. What can be seen as a great utility can also be a damnable trap, stealing our time, energy, zest for life, and severely limiting our spiritual growth. I know that I am onto something if a person becomes defensive simply from my line of questioning about their use. I’ve been told that a smart phone is necessary for a child’s protection and location, despite parental locks not working and the minor sexting and sending photos and movies to strangers. Unwise. I’ve been told that a smart phone is necessary despite a 10 year losing battle with pornography on mobile devices, no doubt helped by 4G speeds now. Again, unwise. I’ve been told that I’m out of touch and that it’s vital to stay up-to-date with classmates and peers, despite bullying, depression, covetousness, and fear of missing out. Again, unwise.

I am not intending to call into question anyone’s judgment or parenting skills. I am simply calling people to inquire of God regarding the ubiquitous use of technology in their daily lives, particularly if it has a pattern of hindering spiritual development. I am calling people to think critically and soberly about how their lives are positively and negatively impacted by hours of social media, hours of YouTube, unfettered and instant access to pornography in the front pocket, and constant distraction.

In what we think of as Jesus’ most powerful sermon, he unapologetically states in gruesome terms how his followers are to deal with anything hindering their spiritual development or ability to be obedient to his commandments:
 
[If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.] Matthew 5:29-30
 
Let us hold loosely to everything, especially things which distracts us from our calling, spiritual success, and growing into who God created us to become. Let God parent us. Perhaps he is telling us that technology is a powerful privilege, not a right.
 
Action Steps
-Review the place of technology in your life (phone/computer/social media/TV/video games), and compare and contrast it with the time you spend drawing closer to God, serving others, developing as a child of God.
-Consider starting with a 1-2 day fast from technology use beyond work and emergencies. Process and pray through any emotions that may arise at the mere notion of this possible action step.