Technology. Idolatry?

In a recent discussion class, the topic was technology and how it seems to have taken over our lives. As you might suspect, the conversation was filled with pros and cons of technological advancements. We had several comments which prompted new aspects of the discussion. This created a class session that was filled with lively, never heated, thoughtful dialogue.

Certainly, the point was made that far too many of us spend far too much time on our smart phones. It would seem that we are consuming more and more of our days with our faces buried in our screens. If you are wondering how much time you spend a day looking at your phone, just check the “Screen Time” portion in your phone’s setting. It may surprise you just how much you’re on it!

While we are spending more time with technology during any given day, is this necessarily a bad thing? It was pointed out in our class that the new advancements in technology are not bad in and of themselves. Of course, this is true. The issue is, what are we doing with these advancements? How are we using technology? Has technology become a god that we have inadvertently put before God?

It is incredible how much good has been done in the Kingdom using technology. Many people are being taught the Word of God through technology. Communication with missionaries across the world is instantaneous. What are the limits of good that can be done through the use of technology? The challenge we face is making sure we are not allowing our use of personal devices to become a new form of idolatry. Remember what God said, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).