23 Mar Diligence in the Digital World

Technology is probably one of the most incredible inventions made by humankind so far. The internet has made life so convenient, simple, and accessible, it is very easy for us to watch a movie, play songs, surf the web, and so much more. There are limitless things that can be done with the internet. You can order food, and pay for them too with absolutely no cash involved. Social media platforms have brought all of us together. We can be in any corner of the world and still be close to our friends. Google is a big-time help for all of us, whether it be gpay, gcr, or meet, google has outdone itself in making our lives remarkably easy and lazy at the same time. One can enroll in institutions and attend classes live from their bedrooms and even graduate and earn a degree with just a laptop and a stable wifi connection. It is exceptional how much we’ve advanced from the earlier centuries.

During Covid times thankfully we were blessed with technology and the internet we never had to take a break in the academic year because classes were available online. Online classes cut down fees to half. It made education accessible and affordable.

We also have the advantage of an unlimited amount of current information and data from a variety of sources which helps students to have easy access to subjects/teaching units with enthusiasm thanks to applications, videos, simulations, and digital books that make the learning process much more engaging.

Moreover, this allows us to dig deeper into an area that interests us and allows us to potentially recognize our interests and talents, and maybe even our future profession.

Technology helps us to engage with people. We can engage in conversations with people and check on them and make sure they’re doing okay, even if they are miles apart. Earlier there were letters and people used to send telegrams and postcards which used to take a lot of time to reach. People had massive patience back then, imagine having to wait for weeks to know if you’re friend is mad at you. We immediately text and talk over a call to resolve issues which is certainly a great thing because it reduces misunderstanding. Phones have now become increasingly hands-on, which leads us to be on the top of the next new trend on the Internet. If we don’t then we feel left out of conversations which often leads to Fear of missing out.

As previously mentioned the rise and spread of technology over the past ten years has done a lot of good in the fields of engaging and effective education. It has eliminated many remedial tasks, created new opportunities for connection, and made daily life more comfortable. For all of that, there’s much to be thankful for. That being said, people are not necessarily happier now than they were before smartphones, Spotify, and Facebook.

Technological gadgets take time away from our most productive hours. Notifications interrupt the flow, our day starts with reading notifications. Even I don’t start my day with quiet time and immediately check my phone to see if our first hour is free and it’s downhill from there. The number of things we voluntarily fill our minds with before even leaving our beds is astonishing. Technology is certainly a blessing in more than one way, but from the biblical perspective, technology is a serious time killer. All our productivity and creativity is lost due to the extremely easy access to the internet. Ephesians 5:15 says “So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise but live wisely.” We ought to be careful with our time on earth as all of it will be accounted for on judgment day.

Colossians 4: 5-6 says, “Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world, making the very most of the time and seizing the opportunity.” We cannot conform to things of this earth, that includes time foolishly wasted on the internet. Anything misused can turn into a trap and destroy our lives, so much accessibility has ruined the minds of young men and women as they misuse unwanted sites on the internet. In this time and age, you don’t need to seek trouble, it’s all around us and if we don’t have the discernment of God we will surely fail and get trapped in this endless loop of sin and guilt. It might seem pleasurable for a moment, but afterward, guilt surges in your heart, and you are far away from God. During covid, the use of unwanted sites saw an increase as compared to the previous years, resulting in increasing bad habits and addictions. It is truly sad to see young men and women struggle with depression, anxiety, and many other psychological issues due to the increased usage of the internet. In the last days, we need to be extra careful with our time here on earth, we must be productive in the kingdom of God, and fulfill God’s divine purpose in our lives.

John 10:10 says, “the thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy; our joy, hope, faith, and belief. He comes to steal our time and our peace of mind, but on the contrary, God wants to give us life, to the fullest. Time and technology are blessings, we need to learn to use them wisely to glorify God’s name and walk in His ways. Through this article, I want to encourage you to use all the talents and opportunities that God has bestowed upon us to lead a fruitful and purpose-driven life, for the expansion of His kingdom. Remember technology has the potential to either make you or break you.

Ecclesiastes12:1 “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy Youth”

Sherly is pursuing her Bachelors in History at Madras Christian College and is actively involved in MCC EU. She lives in Chennai with her family. Her passion includes reading and writing.