I. Am. Not. A. Fan. Of. Technology.

There, I said it.

I'm one of those people. You know, the kind who fights updating their phone, their television, anything requiring a change in the current way they operate.

It's not that I loathe technology or am even too inept to pick up on the latest trends and offerings. I actually can appreciate the many good things that technology affords us. But, for me, it's less about what it can do for me as what it will do with my time. It's a bandit of sorts. A robber of moments.

And the more wonderful it becomes, the more of my time it tends to steal.  It has a way of eeking into my life, seducing me away from other responsibilities and other things that should be in my focus. It has the capacity to control my time, and make me feel like I should constantly check in on it to see how it's doing - a quality I really dislike in a tech device.

But technology makes life easier, right? It appeals to our sense of freedom.  We love being able to share our thoughts and point of view to whoever might trip across it on the information highway.  It's cool to imagine others reading our thoughts and then spurring other great ideas from them. Every person has the ability to be heard, to take a public stand, and to pull themselves out of obscurity with a few simple keystrokes. It gives us a voice like never before in history.

But, like everything in our lives, with great opportunity comes great responsibility.  Because even in a sterile environment such as cyber-space, dangers still exist. The enemy lurks.

We must be wise in our use of it.

As Christians, we are called to represent Christ in all of our actions. Out in the open and behind closed doors. What we do is a reflection of Him because we are known by Him and as such, reflect Him in our actions. And while technology gives us great advantages in even spreading His message, it also exposes us in ways that we've never been exposed before. And, this exposure is quite possibly the hardest thing to remember as we chat online, post pictures on social sites, or comment on others' thoughts.

While technology changes with the slightest blip on the screen, it is also forever etched in someone else's email box, voicemail, or website comment section.  What we say and do and think on the web is a permanent reminder for all to see who we really are at our core.

As you stretch your technological muscles and venture out into the ever-changing new landscape of what is offered, I encourage you to be mindful of who you are, and of Who's you are.

Matthew 5:16 says:

Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Use your technological gifts wisely, sweet sister.  Choose your words and your key strokes carefully knowing that what you say in a moment of passion may be emblazoned on the heart of someone searching with passion for the One thing missing in their lives. In the midst of technological overload, strive to be a voice of encouragement, a light in the darkness, and a righteous break in the comments of the worldly.  Because while this technological tsunami may be annoying to some-ahem-it also has the ability to be an incredible gift to someone who is seeking God in the privacy of their home.

Put good things out there. Encourage others. Stand up for your beliefs and for righteousness. Speak against evil and fight for goodness. Because you never know when someone will type and click onto your words as they seek....help them find.

Laura Polk is a wife and mother of three who has a passion for teaching young women that God is in the details of their lives. She has contributed to various magazines, websites and blogs and is currently working on a YA novel. While contributing to other ministries, she is building one of her own through a tween website that targets girls ages 8-11. Check out her blog or watch her website grow.