Friday, February 23, 2024

Do you think technology helps or hinders your relationship with God?

Last weekend, Ben kicked off our new series Ready Player One. He began the conversation by stating that technology is everywhere. It has the potential to be either a great tool for spreading the gospel or a source of distraction that can erode our faith.

Today, let us concentrate on ways that technology can draw us close to God.

James 4:7-8a
⁷ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

C.H. Spurgeon, a 19th century Baptist preacher, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” planted over 200 churches and trained more than 900 ministers. He explained that we must first throw off our sinful nature and then come back to draw closer to God. Although Spurgeon wouldn’t recognize today’s technological advances, he provided timeless ways to achieve this:

• Think of God – Think of God as your savior, your guardian, and your friend. Read and study his Word to know more about him. Technology can help with this as there are myriad Bible apps. Listen to messages and podcasts for a deeper dive into who God is and the life-changing adventure that following him offers. Be purposeful in connecting with others who follow Christ.
• Trust God – God will not deceive us if we trust in him. Jesus shed his blood on the cross that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). If we trust in him, we will have eternal life.
• By Repentance – Humans can’t avoid doing wrong. We need to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Ask God for a heart filled with love.
• In Prayer – Prayer is how our souls speak to God. It is not necessary to repeat something that has been memorized. Speak to God from the heart and see what answers he provides.
• Every Day – Connect with God throughout every day. Ask him to glorify himself in you. Surrender your plans to his will. Technology can be used to draw closer to God, like by participating in The Daily on the CedarCreek app.

John 15:7
“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

Questions:
How do you balance your faith and your digital life?

Is the use of technology hurting your faith? What steps can you take to ensure that technology expands your faith?

What is God’s vision and purpose for you?

Next Steps:
If you do not have a Bible app on your technology device, search your Play or App Store. The YouVersion Bible App is a good place to start. Download it to begin an eye-opening adventure into the amazing stories in the Bible.

If you need help discovering your purpose, attend GrowthTrack.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for drawing close to me if I draw close to you. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps me connected to your spirit. Open my eyes to the plans you have for my life. Keep me mindful that technology can be used to connect me to you or pull me away from you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This post was written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.