Is Technology Ruling the Roost?

In our fast-paced, high-tech world, something always seems to be ringing, pinging or dinging. But does every call need to be answered? Does every text need to be read immediately? Does every email need an instant response? Being constantly pulled in every direction takes a toll on our health and well-being. Maybe it’s time we step back and reassess. We can search the Scriptures to see how God might have us realign our priorities with His desires for us.

We often confuse what is “urgent” with what is “important.” How can we make the distinction between the two, particularly when other people are also affected by our decisions and actions? “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 / KJV) If you seek His will, He will give you the direction you need.

We can be all that God wants us to be but not necessarily all that we want to be. If our priorities focus only on what we want for ourselves, they are misguided. If our desires are not in line with His, we may do what He never intended for us to do. In appearance, there may be nothing wrong or sinful about what we want to do, but if it’s not the Lord’s will for us to do it, we will place ourselves outside His will and outside the realm of His blessing of our efforts.

The use of current technology has led to symptoms of pain, addictive behavior, depression, burn-out, relationship issues and lowered immunity. Ironically, instead of increased productivity, people are actually less productive because of their poor concentration and inability to focus (overloaded short-term memory).

“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9 / NIV) Seeking God’s wisdom is the way we can discern right priorities.

“And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.” (1 Samuel 14:36 / KJV) The priest was basically saying, “Let’s ask God first.”

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33 / KJV) Maybe we need to set the cell phone down, put away the iPad or turn off the video games for awhile. Talk to the Lord – He’s waiting to hear from you. After some conversation with Him, you may be surprised at how those “urgent” needs seem to fall into their proper places.