Quick! Without getting up, how many electronic devices can you see? My count is six. Since I'm writing this at my computer, that's one. I have a cell phone and a cordless phone, a printer, a CD player, and an electronic car door opener. If you want, take a minute to add your list as a comment at the bottom of the page.
Besides being electronic, what do these things have in common? If you said they are communication devices, that was a good answer. Unfortunately, an electronic car door opener is not normally a communication device. So what are they? Who said tools? You're right! That's the correct answer. Everything in the list is a tool.
Since electronic devices are tools, how do you use them? That's important because people become known by the tools they use best. A carpenter uses a hammer, saw, and measuring tape. A writer uses a computer, a dictionary, and The Chicago Manual of Style. As Christians, we need to use the electronic tools we have in ways that:
- protect us from being tempted to sin and
- bring glory to God by the ways we use them. When we do this with flair, we become know as tech savvy Christians.
Using two examples, let's take an inventory to see if you're a tech-savvy Christian.
Take the cell phone inventory first.
- Would the ringtones for friends' calls be songs you would sing to the pastor?
- When you take a picture with the camera on your phone, would you be willing to send it to friends if you were in the picture instead of the person who is?
- Do you text gossip or compliments?...the answers to test questions or offers to help with homework?... insults about your teachers or words of appreciation to your teachers?
Now take the computer/social media inventory.
- Do you have web filters set up to protect you from harmful content?
- On facebook, are you careful to limit the amount of personal information you include and friend only those people you know well?
- Do you email or twitter when you are angry or frustrated, saying things you would never say if you thought about it first?
- If you blog, do you show how God is working in your life? Do you write about your friends (and not friends) in positive ways?
I'm sure you get the picture. Take the list you made at the beginning and write out your own inventory for each device. Decide if you are a tech-savvy Christian. Remember the words of the psalmist, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Ps 19:14, NIV) The meditations of your heart - that's what everyone sees when you use your electronic tools. Make it your New Year's resolution to be a tech-savvy Christian.
Lynnda Ell has been an active Christian for over 50 years She has three adult daughters and five grandchildren. She has had careers in accounting, direct sales, electrical engineering and writing. She lives and worships in New Orleans, LA. Check out Lynnda's blog.
