For many tech directors technology is a way of life. This is not just something you do at church; your life is steeped in technology. Most likely you are up on all of the current trends in computers, gaming consoles, mobile devices and a variety of other technologies. You probably have all of the latest and greatest tech toys or if you don't you have a very good reason why you don't.
With all of that technology constantly at our fingertips it is easy start letting it control our lives. Sure, we think that we are in control but are we really? How many times do you check your phone each day? Statistics say that the average person checks their phone 150 times each day. That's not to mention how many times you check things on your computer, tablet or flip on the TV.
For the first time in history we have at our fingertips all of the information in the world. We have an endless supply of real-time news, movies, games, social media, as well as a steady supply of illicit images and videos. So I ask the question, “Are you using technology or is technology using you?”
Do you ever find yourself in the middle of a real, old-fashioned, conversation and you feel that vibration on your leg then your mind drifts totally away from the conversation to wondering what notification you just received? Maybe you find yourself spending vast quantities of time playing games? Or perhaps you end up staring at images or watching videos that you are quite sure are not honorable to God?
Psalm 101:3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.
This verse that was written thousands of years ago is most likely more relevant today than it ever was in history. Never have we had such access to things vile and vulgar as we do today.
Please don't get me wrong. I love technology as much as the next guy, but we have to realize that it is very easy to let it begin to control our lives. I noticed this first-hand a couple weeks ago. I somehow got addicted to this silly off-road drag racing game on my phone. Before I knew it I found myself checking my rankings continually racing whenever I could and basically just wasting time. Sure this is just a silly game but I realized that it had a grip on me. I took a few days off from playing it, and ended up losing my rank, but now I try to only play it for a few minutes a day, if at all.
Maybe it's something silly like a game, or maybe there are more serious issues like violent video games or pornography. If you feel like the Holy Spirit is convicting you of your use, or abuse, of technology then it is time to repent and turn from that behavior. Do not allow your life to be controlled by little flat screens.
It could be time to go through your phone, computer, tablet or gaming system and delete some apps that are controlling you or at the very least are consuming too much of your time. It could be time to set up some boundaries for yourself and get some accountability to make sure that you abide by it.
At the very least maybe you could swap the location of your Facebook app with your Bible app so whenever you go to check Facebook you accidentally open the Bible instead.
Just a thought.
