Sunday, February 18, 2024
Have you ever thought about how you balance your technology use with your faith life? While technology can be a tremendous blessing, it can also quickly become a distraction, taking it from a tool that can help us know God to something of the world that erodes our faith.
James 4:4-8
4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
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. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Invite God to help you explore your relationship with tech in light of the verses above. Set aside any distractions. Close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you identify what is healthy and unhealthy in terms of your technology use.
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
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Discussion Questions:
Ice breaker: How do you balance your faith with your digital life?
Why is it so easy for technology to move from being a tool to being a distraction?
Read James 4:4-8. What do you learn about our relationship with both the world and God?
This weekend Ben talked about "Determining The Relationship" with tech. Where do you need to get honest, clarify your intentions, or consider the future?
How can you use technology this week to know God better or spread the Gospel?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this time to reflect on the gift of technology and my relationship with it. While it can be a tremendous blessing, please open my eyes to any place it becomes a distraction or distances me from you. Show me how I can use it as a means to strengthen my relationship with you and spread the Gospel. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.