It’s a new year. Time for some resolutions right? As a family we had the idea to go 5 days without watching television, or getting on Facebook/Twiiter/Instagram and no Minecraft for the kids. We recognized the need to take a break from technology. We needed to focus on having some quality family time and some time to seek the Lord to start our year off right. My children have a plethora of gaming devices-Ipod’s, Kindles, Play Stations and my wife and I have our laptops, phones and a tablet as well. Needless to say it was a long 5 days and I observed some interesting truths during this time.
The break from technology reminded me of one of my favorite book series of all time. Little house on the Prarie. I absolutely love Little House on the Prarie. I’m not talking about the cheesy television series, I’m talking about the real deal book series. The venison eating, wood chopping, hardcore midwest family. The family that had a Pa and a Ma. They were so busy trying to survive that much of life for them was consumed with a constant work to provide food, clothing and housing for each other. I am intrigued by the stories of Pa hunting for days and the family getting thrilled when he would bring home a deer just so they could eat!
Reality check…these times are over peeps. While I can appreciate the purity of life during those times, I LOVE LIFE IN THE 21st century. I think that the Ingall’s family would too. Laura would be loving instagram, Ma would be killing the craft projects on Pintrest and Pa would love the technology of GPS in farming! He may even send out some tweets here and then with the hashtag #farmprobs #lovemytruck
So how do I let my affinity for technology not get the best of me and yet use it the way God intended it for. Here are simple truths that I discovered on my break from social media and television.
1)Everything you own is either a tool or an idol. Nothing should have priority over the Lord or your family. The second commandment (Exodus 20) is very clear about not making idols for ourselves. An idol is anything that we give more affection to than the Lord. Take an inventory- adjust some priorities if necessary. On the flip side, use social media and the technology that has been given to bring glory to God and help your self and your family. There are so many tools available that can help bring personal growth and growth for your family!
2)Balance your time. Your children need you to put down your phone or laptop. They need you to affirm them and play with them. The same goes for your spouse and your parents and your siblings. Take time to shut things down and spend quality time with each other. Turn the TV off and go for a walk or play in the snow. Give your loved ones your undivided attention! They are worth it and if they don’t get it from you, they will get it from some one else.
3)Don’t be a weirdo. Yes I said it, and I can get away with it because it’s my blog, ha. Seriously, some people get so anti-technology they cut it out of their life because they don’t learn balance. Or some people refuse to see the value in it. I heard Matt Keller say one time, “Can you imagine the Apostle Paul with the ability to tweet God’s word all across the world.” That is so true. We have never lived in a time where so much information is instantly at our hands. Use it but don’t abuse it! I’m also going to put a small plug in here- Keep your drama off Facebook. If you are having issues message your friends, call your pastor, message me if you need to but keep your drama off Facebook.
To conclude, I have to say I love staying connected with people all across the world. I have made some incredible ministry connections because of the web. My parents get to frequently see my kids because of FaceTime. Embrace it, just don’t let it take priority over the things that have greater value.
