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Some people prefer online while others prefer hands-on. Whether it’s making a purchase or reading the Bible, technology has presented new options for doing old tasks. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, you have to admit that shopping is an essential part of life—so is reading the Bible. (It’s okay if you disagree.)
We have needs–and wants. Most of these are met when we work hard and earn money in order to make purchases. Shopping is a necessity, we just have to ensure we’re paying our tithes before spending it all, and that we don’t overdo it. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” (Proverbs 3:9)
Shopping online and reading the Bible from digital devices has quickly become the “go-to” trend. The times of only buying in store and reading from a ten pound Bible are buried in the dinosaur era. Now, the option is available to shop from our own homes—be it for groceries, clothes or car insurance. We can also choose to conduct our daily Bible study from our phone, tablet or computer. The internet has presented us with so many options that sometimes doing the right thing morally, or doing what’s best, gets lost.
So, which is best? Online or hands-on?
In this situation, the answer totally depends on our perspective and what brings us enjoyment.
“To-may-to” or “To-mah-to?” How you pronounce the name of this vegetable is solely up to you. Neither choice is right or wrong. The same concept applies to using the online versions versus the manual. It boils down to which is more satisfying or more convenient at the moment. At times, spending a day at the mall might be just what you need to unwind and catch up with friends. But if you’re sick or conserving time, the convenience of shopping online is a blessing. Likewise, an online Bible provides the ease of quickly searching for a verse, but when you want to spend intimate time, deeply studying the Word, a physical Bible is best.
John 15:7 presents a kind of win-win solution; “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Whether reading the physical Bible or the online one, once we’re seeking the Lord and keeping His words, He’ll provide for us—shopping needs included.
There are a few advantages to both options. And the disadvantages for one option become the advantages for the other. On Monday, next week, Part 2 of this series will take a look at these advantages and disadvantages.
Leave a comment, do you think online shopping or reading the Bible online is good or bad? Be sure to support your answer.
Interesting article. I would have to agree on your take. Sometimes I like reading online while other times I enjoy hands on. Either way, as long as I am reading and filling my mind up with God’s truth, that is what’s important to me.
Thank you for sharing Renee. God is happy when we fill up on His words–online or hands-on, and we’re better off for it as well. We just have to acknowledge that technology is not the enemy, it’s our actions and motives that we should be aware of!