This is part 1 in a series of posts.
Part 1: Introduction | Part 2 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Godliness | Part 3: Biblical Principles at Stake: Relationships | Part 4 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Stewardship | Part 5 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Joy & Peace in Christ | Part 6: Why is Social Media & Technology so Addicting? | Part 7: Applications
This material was first presented in a talk at First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. Watch it here.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. -1 Corinthians 10:23
In 2006, Steve Jobs announced the release of the first iPhone, which was primarily sold as a tool of simplicity since it would allow people to replace their iPod, phone and calendar all in one device. But, over the years a device of simplicity has complicated our lives. Smartphones gave birth to the app industry, and the exponential growth of social media. Today, smartphones are ubiquitous and play a larger role in our daily lives than even Steve Jobs could have likely imagined.
The capabilities of smartphones are a marvel in many ways. There is more computing power in our pocket than the computer than landed the first men on the moon. Yet, as amazing as these devices are, I wonder if we’ve ever stopped to ask the question, “Is this truly beneficial?” We tend to live by a maximalist approach. If my phone can do it then it’s good and I want more of it.[1] Is it permissible for you as a Christian to have a smartphone and social media accounts? Absolutely. The question I want to ask is, is the way we are using technology beneficial? Is it building up?
Brett McCracken in his book The Wisdom Pyramid recounts that he recently asked 40 college students to raise their hand if they owned a smartphone. Every hand went up. He then asked how many of them believed their smart phone made them a better, happier or healthier person. Three hands went up.[2]
Most people have a decent understanding of nutrition. We know that if we eat McDonalds every meal, if we survive we will feel terrible. Yet, when it comes to technology and social media many of us don’t have an accurate picture of what health looks like.
Here’s the point: Technology and social media aren’t inherently evil, but left unchecked they can do us spiritual, emotional and relationship harm. My goal in these posts is to draw out some main principles that are essential for a healthy and godly life and look at how technology, if we let it run wild, will hinder us in our pursuit of those things. Hopefully at the end we will at least have a picture of health when it comes to smartphone and social media use.
My goal isn’t to denigrate technology in general. Technology has many great benefits for our lives. As Sherry Turkle says in her book Alone Together, “We don’t need to reject or disparage technology. We need to put it in its place.”[3] In these posts I’d like us to consider how we as Christians put social media and technology in its proper place. That means we must first get a picture of what happens when it isn’t put in its proper place.
It’s important to note that different people and families will arrive at different decisions about technology use based on their conscience. No Christian can demand that another Christian approach technology and social media the same way they are or else they are sinning. What Christians can do is graciously hold other believers accountable to the commands in Scripture. It’s up to each believer to prioritize those issues when it comes to their use of technology and social media.
In the next post we will look at biblical principles that social media and technology can inhibit us from obeying.
Part 1: Introduction | Part 2 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Godliness | Part 3: Biblical Principles at Stake: Relationships | Part 4 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Stewardship | Part 5 – Biblical Principles at Stake: Joy & Peace in Christ | Part 6: Why is Social Media & Technology so Addicting? | Part 7: Applications
[1] Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World (New York: Portfolio, 2019). 29.
[2] Brett McCracken, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2021). 14.
[3] Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, 1st edition (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2012). 295.
Mike McGregor
Mike McGregor (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is Director of College Ministry at First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. You can follow him on Twitter at @m5mcgregor.
Grateful for your words Mike. Keep up the great work you are doing for the Kingdom.
God Bless!!