God’s Word for High-Tech Teens
Rand Hummel
This article mentions some technologies that are ‘old news’ in the fast changing technological revolution we are experiencing, but the spiritual principles it espouses are timeless.
Unlike many technologically challenged church leaders today, our technologically unchallenged young people and young couples in our churches are asking, “What does God’s Word have to say about the high-tech world that we live in? Just show me a chapter and verse that has anything to say about cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, texting, P2P accounts, blogs, game systems, or e-mails!” A quick look into Strong’s Concordance will leave you hard pressed to find any of the above-mentioned items.
We need to recognize that …
- Today, more people have cell phones than fixed telephone lines, both in the United States and internationally.
- There are more than one billion cell phone users worldwide.
- China’s mobile phone market, the world’s biggest, has over 400 million users.
- The average American spends about seven hours a month talking on his cell phone.
- More than 60 million teenagers now carry cell phones, and most take them everywhere they go.
Related headlines from around the world remind us that we do have a problem:
- “New Zealand Teen Sends 8000 Texts a Month”
- From the UK: “Text Messaging Addiction”; “Cell Phones the Newest Teen Addiction”
- “Germany Faces Epidemic of Text Message Addicts”
- “Three out of Ten Korean Youths Are Addicted to Mobile Phones”
- From Spain: “Warning: Mobile Phones Are Addictive”
- “World SMS Mania Hits Russian Teenagers”
(Information above is taken from )
When we look at all this new technology, we must remember that God’s Word is and has always been profitable (useful) for any time or age. We cannot isolate those God has called us to serve from the world, but we can give them Bible principles to help insulate them from the world’s evil. A thorough study and meditation of many common passages will open many simple yet life-changing principles for the high-tech world we live in.
Cell Phones and Texting
What does God have to say about cell phones and texting? Although it takes most adults fifteen minutes to text the word “dog,” teens can text the Gettysburg Address while walking from class to class in school. Communication is communication whether it is talking, texting, or typing. A quick understanding and application of Romans 12:9–12 is needed in this incredibly increasing wireless world.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Let your love be real! (“Let love be without dissimulation.”)
- Are you ignoring others or being rude just because a friend calls?
Hate evil and love good! (“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”)
- Are you careful about what you talk and text about?
Be kind, loving, and considerate of those around you. (“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”)
- Are you conscious of those around you? Do you keep your phone on vibrate? Do you keep a ten-foot zone between yourself and others when you talk? Do you keep your phone off in public places?
Keep a zealous, intense testimony for God. (“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”)
- Do those you talk to know that you love God more than you love them?
Blogs and P2P Accounts
What does God have to say about the world of blogs and P2P (person-to-person) accounts? Many have never visited these Internet cities, but we cannot deny that this is the world in which those in their teens and twenties live. If we are to help them understand that they can please God in a high-tech world, we must teach them to meditate and apply verses such as Philippians 4:8 to their high-tech communication. This verse commands us to “think” on the things that would best bring honor to our Lord and holiness to our lives. So let’s “think” about how we communicate in blogs or P2P accounts according to Philippians 4:8.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Whatever things are true!
Have you ever lied online? Have you lied about your age, your looks, your accomplishments, or your relationship with God?
Whatever things are honorable!
Have you ever dishonored your parents with your friends online? Have you ever dishonored God by refusing to take a stand for Him online?
Whatever things are just!
Have you been fair to your friends by talking to them before talking to others?
Whatever things are pure!
Have you involved yourself in impure conversations? Have you downloaded or uploaded pictures that would cause impure thinking? Do you filter your computer to keep you away from the constant invitations to porn sites?
Whatever things are lovely!
Have you ever been ugly or unkind to authorities or friends in your wall-to-wall conversations? Are you viewing YouTube videos that are inappropriate?
Whatever things are commendable!
Could your testimony be weakened or destroyed by any of your recent conversations or posts? Is there anything in your online world that you would be embarrassed for other family or church members to find out?
Whatever things are excellent!
Have you lost your spirit of excellence by compromising your positions on sin? Have you become mediocre in your walk with God because of the inordinate time you spend communicating with your friends rather than God?
Whatever things are praiseworthy to God!
Do you please God with what you say? Do you please God with the type of friends you choose? Do you please God with the time you spend with Him compared to the time you spend with your friends?
The simple principles of God’s Word can insulate us from the world’s evil that we wish we could isolate ourselves and our families from. God’s Word is still profitable (useful) and should be used by church leaders to encourage those young people and young couples that God has called them to serve to keep their walk with God strong as they travel through this electronic world.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. …
(Originally published in FrontLine • January / February 2008. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)