Teenagers have access to so many avenues of technology it can be dizzying to keep up with it all. If they're not reading on a Kindle, fiddling with their Blackberry, typing something for Twitter, or listening to an iPod, they might be playing on a Wii, text messaging, updating their status on Facebook or talking to someone through Skype. Technology is as easy as the click of a button or even the touch of finger.

As I broach a topic like this with the girls I lead in youth group, I realize how imperative it is for them to understand technological skills. We live in a social networking era. In order to relate to their peers, they need to be in the know about the latest technological outbreaks. In order for them to remain strong in their faith, this also means they need to discern how much they can handle. Teenagers have to judge how well they can set boundaries so they become careful not to let valuable people and things in their life slip away due to time spent online. Also, with greater access comes greater responsibility. Technologically communicating with someone via text messaging is not the same as meeting with them face to face.

Often I hear people grumbling about how much time teenagers spend utilizing social networks. While there are certainly downfalls about the overload of technology, there are also benefits. One overwhelming benefit is the ability for today's youth to witness in a more widespread format...the ability for them to reach more people with their faith. The girls I lead in youth group don't need to constantly spout off Scripture in order to do this. By exuding a joyful spirit, displaying a grateful attitude and by abstaining from specific things the world deems acceptable, teenagers can make their stand for faith.

Finally, addressing the topic of the widespread outreach, teenagers must keep in mind that they never know just how far and wide their words or images might reach. My middle school principal once lectured us to "think before you act." This is perfect advice for handling technology. Teenagers would be wise to think, "Would I really want my Aunt Sue to read that?"

Hopefully this kind of thinking would churn even deeper thoughts about how God wants us to live representing him. We can never guarantee when or if what we've said or done will reappear someday in the future. As Christians, we don't want our words and deeds to come back void. We long to produce fruit. Bearing fruit comes with discerning how best to live in the culture we live in. It's worth it to pray about our technological involvement in this world so we don't fall prey to becoming of the world.

Wendy Miller’s work has been published in inspirational books, online magazines and on numerous websites. She is passionate about encouraging women through writing and speaking, and currently Wendy leads a small group of seniors from her church. Raising her three little girls, writing novels, creating craft projects, and hiking are other ways she enjoys spending her time. Feel free to visit her blog to peek inside the window of her thoughts as she actively pursues what it means to follow the Lord. Wendy's Website