Living in a culture full of technology, I often ask myself: "How much screen time should my children have?" "How do I help my children not get addicted to using these devices?" "How should my children interact with other people in this online world?" "How do I prepare my children for a future that is filled with technology?"
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105 ESVI’m so thankful to have God and His Word to go to for answers.
I know the Bible doesn’t ever mention “screen time”, “robots”, or “online presence”. The Bible talks about God’s purpose and plan for how we are to live our lives. The Bible guides my path. From the Bible I know what God would have me do with my time, what to do with my thoughts, it tells me where to go for help, and it tells me how to interact with other people. If what is offered by technology fits in what God has for me to do with my life, I am thankful to use that. If what technology offers distracts me away and interferes with me doing what God’s Word says, then I want to endeavor to not use that technology. As I apply God’s Word to my life in this tech culture I can teach and train my children to do the same.
There is no perfect godly number for how many hours of screen time my children should have. They could have 0 hours of screen time a day and never learn how to walk with God. They could have 4 hours of screen time a day and live a life seeking God and growing in doing His Word.
I find it helpful to know what pediatricians, teachers, and other experts have to say on topic of using technology for myself and my children. But my main source of why I do what I do is what God’s Word says.
I find it helpful to know what pediatricians, teachers, and other experts have to say on topic of using technology for myself and my children. But my main source of why I do what I do is what God’s Word says.
“For I am the LORD, I change not” Malachi 3:6 KJV
"For "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 WTJ*People come and go, but God’s Word remains forever. The good news of Jesus Christ is still true today. I get to share this good news with my children. As they know about the salvation in Jesus Christ they can be born again and walk in newness of life. They can live lives walking with God. Throughout their lives God’s Word will be there to light their path.
The answer to how to prepare our children for a future filled with technology is to teach them God's Word. God's Word remains forever and will light their path. The answer is to teach them about God, Who does not change.
To further look at this topic, this Spring I will be writing about applying God's Word as parents when making decisions about using technology.
2015 Tech Tuesday Posts:
5 Ways To Help Your Child To "Seek Peace and Pursue It"
Living Deuteronomy 6:7 With a Smart Phone In My Hand
Make Time To Think On God's Word
Look Up From Your Screen To Love Your Neighbor
"Growing Up Social" Resource Recommendation
Related Post:
Bible Verses For A Parent's Heart in 2015
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©Brigette Hill, 2015
Does your child's heart long to use the technology, and for what purpose? That will help you know if its becoming an idol, or if it is a healthy godly use. Thanks for the article!
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