For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…–Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)
Susan Greenfield, neuroscientist and researcher at Oxford, says human identity could be facing an unprecedented crisis. She writes that we are “sleepwalking towards a future in which neuro-chip technology blurs the line between living and non-living machines and between our bodies and the outside world…our brains are under the influence of an ever-expanding world of new technology including video games, mp3 players and wireless networks.”
In other words, we may be on the verge of becoming overwhelmed by the increasing role technology is playing in our lives. The more we rely on technology, we become unable to draw clear lines on some of the things it has to offer, what to embrace, and when to say enough is enough.
Has anyone else ever spent too long on the internet? I have. And I really don’t have much to show for the time I’ve spent on line.
My goodness. I am not sure I can even read a map anymore. I pretty much totally rely on Google Maps to get me places.
The good news is that the brain is an ever-changing organ. According to Greenfield, parts of the brain change in response to certain experiences and stimuli. This lines up with the Bible’s teaching that we are what we think. It may not be easy, but we have the power to choose what we allow to have influence over us.
Technology has radically impacted our lives. Many of our conversations center around our phones, apps, the web, etc. And yet, I am finding it difficult to communicate to my own teens –who seem more tuned in to text messages than to spoken ones.
Is technology a tool —to help us? Or does it start to rule us?
At night, our families’ phones stay downstairs and we all sleep upstairs, but I know we all rely on them too much. (Relying on a created thing…and not spending enough time with the Creator! It sounds scarily like Romans 1:25, “They… worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised.”)
Staring at my phone sometimes keeps me out of touch with God –who is Divine!
Staying connected with technology has wonderful merits. I’m all for it. How about this week, you set some planned times to disconnect from distraction.
The Bible says “the Spirit gives life.” As great as my phone is, it does not have the ability to give me real life.
How has technology affected you?
Blessings,
Thora
This topic has been heavy on my mind for a while now (she thinks as she types from the internet). Thank you for the inspired message!
Technology is one of those double-edged swords: hundreds (maybe thousands) of women can read your blog thanks to the magic of internet technology; many can comment on your thought provoking insight because of technology — so in and of itself, not all technology is bad if it allows you to reach (and teach) others about Christ. Spreading the gospel through technology is a blessing … video games
… not so much! Thanks for sharing this, Thora!
I use my phone to read the scriptures instead of reading from the Bible. Sometimes I believe it helps reading it from my phone because the program I use usually has a devotional reading to go along with the scripture but there are times when I get distracted by automated notifications and then I believe it is more beneficial to have a more quiet time studying the Lord’s Word.
Today’s technology is so amazing and helpful, but overusing it makes me think of 1 Corinthians 10:23 when Paul told the church, You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial.
I never would have believed people would volunteer to get security chips implanted in their hands for their jobs. Things you think could never happen in your lifetime are happening. I’d sure want to know the serial NUMBERS on my chip.
While reading this, the word that kept coming to mind is DISCIPLINE. Not just phone, with all of its fun and speedy apps and connectivity, but TV as well is so distractingly inviting! For our new study, I have found such more value and deeper meditation when simply turning everything off and opening my bible, the book – where I have to actually remember the sequence of book-to-book, rather than select it in the bible app – to complete homework. The slower pace allows me to breathe easier too. “Technology has wonderful merits” indeed…but…