Online and Out of Touch with God?
Most homes in America now have at least one computer that is connected to the Internet and many young people get on-line. And why not? The Web provides almost limitless possibilities. On-line, you can learn (at www.discoverymagazine.com, for instance), talk to friends, teach the Gospel, share pictures, and more. The Internet is a tool, and Christians may use it to carry out the will of God. Many people, even preachers, teach more lost souls by using the Internet than any other method.
However, the Internet is also dangerous. Those who serve the devil unleash evil images and dangerous ideas on the Internet every day. For this reason, we must be careful when we surf the Web (see Philippians 4:8). Make certain your parents know about the sites you visit. Your mom or dad may even install a filter to protect your family from ungodly content.
The Internet poses another danger. It may tempt us to waste time or become lazy. Instead of using the Internet to learn about God and His world, encourage others, build Christian relationships, sharpen our minds, teach the Gospel, or do important business, we may spend lots of time visiting Web sites that do little or no good for us or anybody. For example, it is wrong to spend long periods of time chatting with friends about insignificant things, when we fail to take interest in, or talk about, what is really important: service to God in His kingdom (2 Timothy 2:16).
Sadly, the devil uses great tools such as the Internet to keep people from “redeeming the time,” or spending time doing things that will matter in eternity (Ephesians 5:16). Jesus told us to place the highest priority on the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). So, while surfing the Web is not wrong in itself, if we allow it to make us lazy or keep us from saving souls, then it is wrong.
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