Technological developments encourage advancement or expose depravity. Acknowledge the digital dangers and resolve to alter your habits so you can be as closely aligned with God as possible.

SHIFTS

What technological shifts have occurred in recent generations?

• Fireplace to Furnace – We have multiple devices separating families and isolating entertainment.
• Independence to Postponement – Young people delay societal milestones for the ease of electronic pseudo-community.
• Community to Isolation – Our society is more comfortable with online interaction than direct communication.
• Limited to Unlimited – We have more options for mediums of media than we used to have for media in general.
• Occasional to Instant – Our impatience grows as we demand instant gratification, which has been trained by the autoplay features on our devices.
• Pursuing to Pursued – There is no need to seek out immoral material because it comes looking for us.
• Wisdom to Wiki – We rebel against the notion of authoritative truth because we have been conditioned to search our questions with editable, crowdsourced answers. 

SCRIPTURE

What does God’s Word say about digital dangers?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

• If you are unsure of your life’s goal, you’ll be unable to identify if you’ve arrived at it (9:24).
• A thriving disciple will know what to pursue and what to avoid (9:25).
• We require a worthwhile motivation before we show a willingness to make a change (9:26).
• We will control our habits, or our habits will control us (9:27). 

SYMPTOMS

How can you tell if a device has become dangerous?

• Inseparable – How often is a person connected to a device and uncomfortable if separated?
• Irritable – How incensed does the person get if questioned or challenged about the usage of a device?
• Irresponsible – How does the usage affect responsibilities, relationships, and rest?
• Insulation – How defensive is someone to have a loved one meander on a personal device?

The wicked prowl all around, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race (Ps. 12:8).

STRATEGY

How will you make changes in your life and home?

• Acknowledgment – Stop believing the lie that technological addiction couldn’t be an issue in your home.
• Evaluation – Take the technological log out of your eye before you complain about the speck in another family member’s eye.
• Assessment – Perform an honest household assessment no matter how overwhelming the process.
• Research – Discover relevant options to filter, block, or report dangerous activity.
• Prayer – Ask God to guide you with wisdom as you change your practices and your family’s habits.
• Agreement – If married, ensure that you and your spouse have an agreed-upon unified front.
• Discussion – To reduce the shock, ensure you explain the reasons behind any change in rules.
• Implementation – Love your family enough to do the hard things for the sake of their souls.
• Endurance – Do not surrender to cultural norms or peer pressure regarding how to lead your family.
• Monitor – Realize that today’s strategies will not combat tomorrow’s opportunities.