The following comes from Solid Joys, the daily devotional app from the ministry of John Piper. View online, or download the app on Google Play or iTunes.
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Five Digital Dangers
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14)
1) The hook of constant curiosity
Digital devices offer a never-ending possibility for discovery. Even the basic operating systems can consume hours of curious punching and experimenting. Then there are the endless apps consuming weeks of your time as they lure you into their intricacies.
All this is very deceptive, giving the illusion of power and effectiveness, but leaving you with a feeling of emptiness and nervousness at the end of the day.
Resolution: I will strictly limit my experimental time on the device and devote myself more to the truth than to technique.
2) The empty world of virtual (un)reality
How sad to see brilliant, creative people pouring hours and days of their lives into creating cities and armies and adventures that have no connection with reality. We have one life to live. All our powers are given to us by the real God for the real world leading to a real heaven and real hell.
Resolution: I will spend my constructive, creative energy not in the unreality of “virtual reality” but in the reality of the real world.
3) “Personal” relations with a machine
Like no other invention, a computer comes closest to being like a person. You can play games with it. It will talk to you. It will always be there for you. The great danger here is that we really become comfortable with this manageable electronic “person,” and gradually drift away from the unpredictable, frustrating, sometimes painful dealings with humans persons.
Resolution: I will not replace the risk of personal relationships with impersonal electronic safety.
4) The risk of tryst
“Tryst \’trist\ noun: An agreement (as between lovers) to meet.” Sexual affairs begin in private time together, extended conversation, and the sharing of soul, which can now be done in absolute seclusion through digital devices. You can think that “it’s just nothing” — until she shows up in town.
Resolution: I will not cultivate a one-on-one relationship with a person of the opposite sex other than my spouse. If I am single I will not cultivate such a relationship with another person’s spouse.
5) Porn
More insidious that X-rated videos, we can now not only watch but join the perversity in the privacy of our own den. Interactive porn will allow you to “do it” or make them “do it” virtually.
I have never seen it. Nor do I ever intend to. It kills the spirit. It drives God away. It depersonalizes women. It quenches prayer. It blanks out the Bible. It cheapens the soul. It destroys spiritual power. It defiles everything.
Resolution: I will never open any app for sexual stimulation nor purchase or download anything pornographic.
“Five Dangers of Computer Unreality”
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These are the things Satan uses the most to divide us from God. We use our gadgets for work the most, but we should not let Satan to use it against us.
I have to admit that I am easily addicted to games and reading articles in Wikipedia or news sites. But I have gotten rid of games in my PC and Tab and I only play a game in Tab and FIFA in PS2. I play them rarely. Reading articles is only for fun too; I usually spend two hours the most to read articles. They are only for refreshments after a day’s work.
My friends find me very weird because I do all of these. I do not feel that way. Instead, I consequently have more time to interact with my friends and learn to live the godly life in Christ the best way as I can.
Internet is created for our refreshments so that we can do more in Christ afterwards.
Lord Jesus blesses you!
Passionate for Literature and Thoughts! 