Consider Your Connection
A man named Stanislav Petrov saved the world. You’ve may have never heard of him, but on September 26, 1983 a bright red alert that read “LAUNCH” displayed on the systems in front of him. Petrov was tasked with monitoring the early-warning system for the USSR when he received a noticed that the US had launched a missile. As the officer on duty Petrov, had to quickly decide whether to report the strike.
Petrov risked his career and life by having his team investigate the alert before reporting it. Soon he and his team discovered it was a false alarm created by the suns reflection off of a cloud. His carefulness saved literally millions of lives and negated the start of a global nuclear war.
Disaster can be averted when we ask the right questions.
Paul encourages us to ask good questions of the culture in which we live through his letter to the church at Ephesus. In chapter 5 Paul gives us a framework for avoiding spiritual disaster and how to engage the world in which we live in a healthy way.
In this third installment in our series “Influencer” we are seeing the questions we can ask to have discernment when it comes to our technological and digital interactions.
6 Questions to Consider when we interact with technology.
1. Is this wise?
Ephesians 5:15 instructs us to pay attention to how we walk and to be wise. If we feel that we need more wisdom (which we all do) we can ask God for it (James 1:5). Technology is not good or bad, but we can use it wisely or unwisely.
2. Is this Making the Most of the time
Continuing Paul reminds us that the days are evil, and our focus needs to be set on glorifying God while there is still time! James 4:14 tells us that life is only a vapor. We don’t have time to waste! While I don’t believe it is ungodly to enjoy the blessings of our digital world, we must always be refocusing our hearts on lifting up Jesus.
3. Is this Controlling me?
A verse about not being drunk may not instantly make a connection to technology for us, but a study by Primak et al in 2017 found that social media for many is more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol. As Christian’s we are called to live lives of sobriety not controlled by the substances of this world, but by God’s Holy Spirit.
4. is this honoring God and Loving Others?
Paul exhorts us to speak in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. This is a heart that is worshipful inwardly and loving outwardly. Do our technological and digital interactions honor God and love others in this way?
5. Is this Causing me to compare or be grateful?
Give thanks in everything, Ephesians 5:20 instructs, however social media usage has caused more anxiety than ever and researchers believe much of it is caused by social comparison. As followers of Jesus we are called not to live in a consumeristic mindset of comparison, but rest on the substance that is gratitude.
6. Is this making me more self centered, or more surrendered?
Paul finishes his instructions, “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Eph 5:21 CSB) In a culture where narcissism is applauded we are called to be others-focused. In a world where strength is defined as isolation we are called to community. Do we see technology as a pathway to self reliance or a tool to connect? Is our platform something that feeds our ego, or lifts up the name of Jesus?
Questions for Further Discussion:
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message or your small group discussion?
What is an area in your life where you might need to “consider your connection”? (Video Games? Cell Phone Usage? Social Media) Have you ever asked yourself if you are being wise in your usage of these tools?
What are challenges about growing up now that you don’t think I faced growing up when it comes to technology? Do we as a family have healthy digital hygiene?
Do you think we live in a distracted world? How has it impacted your relationships with others and with God?
What are some places where you may have neglected to discern what is best and pleasing to God? How can I help you make better choices?
