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          Modern technology brings with it many temptations—we must always be alert to the many possible pitfalls and snares of the devil. It is easy to be apathetic and not on-guard to the serious dangers that surround us in a world that can easily distract us. Jesus said Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time [of His return] is.”

            Every day millions of people are connected via some means of communication to a huge amount of information, images, and videos. Laptop computers are used by millions for sharing files; for banking, buying, for entertainment, and for sending as many millions of emails for millions of reasons—but technology today includes temptations we may not be aware of.

            There is a dark side to being online—we must be alert; attentive; watchful; vigilant; and keenly on guard concerning the dangers of using or abusing modern technology. The apostle repeats the warning 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong.”

            Before modern technology brought about new ways to read and view questionable books, photos, programs, or videos—a person would have had a difficult time getting access to such material, but today, an enormous amount of offensive; immoral; corrupt; and wicked material—is just a click or a tap away. Everyone has to be on-guard every moment!

Online information is so easy to access—and because photos, images, or videos are available in the privacy of one’s room or in the palm of our hand—millions have become entangled in sin by accessing online sites that drag them further into immoral; wicked; and illegal material. One click can lead to a serious addiction that is difficult to break.

            The number of temptations has increased exponentially with new forms of connections to a huge amount of information—information that is not always helpful but can be harmful. Some serious warnings are needed. There is a 1st century Book for the 21st century believer that gives current information on how to be scriptural in today’s corrupt society.

With the huge increase in cell phones; text messaging; emails; Podcasts—digital audio files made available for downloading—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram—and a host of other types of communicating today, one has to be constantly alert to Satan’s snares to entangle. We can use technology, but not misuse it.

We have to be on guard to Satan’s wicked intentions to lure us onto areas that would defile our conscience and eventually destroy our soul. Jesus warned Matthew 24:4 “Take heed that no man deceive you.” We must live a holy life in an increasingly unholy world.

Every choice and click and tap must be in-line with God’s will and Word. There are many things that can deceive us and lead us into serious sins—which can become serious addictions! Millions have become ensnared by accessing Web sites that have caused them to sin—in thought, in word, and in action. Wanting to know and then do God’s will, is the only way to live a pure life in a very impure and wicked world. We must be Romans 12:12 “Earnest and persistent in prayer.”

Jesus clearly warned that if our eye, hand, or foot is causing us to sin, we are to take drastic action and remove the cause Matthew 5:29-30, 18:8-9; Mark 9:43-48. Jesus said to get rid of that which is the cause of the sin—whatever it is. We can cancel a subscription; stop Internet service; unsubscribe to something. Our family’s spiritual interests are way too important not to take action.

            Many like to share their opinions and experiences with others, and do so on Instagram; Facebook; Twitter; or YouTube. The problem is, we live in a very fallen world controlled by a fallen angel, the devil, so there are predators using online information for evil purposes. Watch out that no one deceives you—there is a dark side to Internet service. 

            Modern technology can be used as an effective tool in sharing the full Truth Gospel messages that God has inspired to be written, heard, and spoken in our services. A Web page can proclaim God’s Truth to the world.

Written words can be a spiritual light for someone who may never have heard of trusting God in faith for healing without medical help, or trusting God for finances without borrowing from a bank or accessing government monies. Matthew 24:14 “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

            It is not a sin to use technology but it is a sin to misuse it. The two natures within need to be fed—and the one we feed most, is the one that will control most. The nature we nourish by day will soon control by night. Unscriptural viewing can quickly lead to lustful thoughts and ungodly desires.

Profits from the porn industry are staggering—we are responsible for our online choices. Many think that their surfing is kept secret, but God’s candid camera is focused on us 24/7—there is never a moment when He does not know where we are; what we are doing; or what Web page we visit and view—never a time when His camera is not on us! 

Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” It is a serious warning and humbling thought to know we will all stand before the One who took our place on the Cross so we could be free from addictions.

            1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

            Today we face unprecedented challenges—Internet service offers new ways to feed old sins. Cell phone service brings new twists to the old issue of how to live a holy life in a very unholy and wicked world. Immoral material can invade our mind by an unguarded click or tap. We must use technology scripturally—while surrounded by millions of temptations.

            Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” Ezekiel 18:20 "The soul who sins shall die. 21 But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” There will be a day of reckoning and approaching quickly. We will all give an account of our life on earth. Anyone can escape the flames—just make right choices with God’s help.

If we confess, God forgives 1 John 1:9. If we make right choices and stop using technology to feed the flesh—repenting and forsaking of those sins, God will not charge them against us. We can use modern technology in a right way—but Satan will seriously tempt us to misuse it in a wrong way. 

            Those responsible in the home must be aware of the danger facing young people today, and to set online or cell phone guidelines. The computer should be visible—what is being viewed should always be seen by those responsible. Children must be instructed on the proper and scriptural use of technology today. Psalm 101:3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”

            We must Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God,” or we will not be able to resist the “strategies and tricks of the Devil.” If we do not take responsibility for our choices, it will be no contest against the enemy of our soul who will succeed in entering our mind. The struggle against sin is an on-going battle with Satan—Ephesians 6:12 “Against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

            Web browsers retain Internet history and surfing choices—so households must be on-guard to the ungodly material available today. Young people must have limits placed on their computer use and online time. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled [sober, vigilant] and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around” like a tiger stalking its victim—stealthily, but deliberately, “looking for someone to devour”—deceive and destroy forever!

            Commandment #7 says Exodus 20:14 “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” but Jesus says adultery can be thinking immoral thoughts. Matthew 5:28 “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The One who forgives our sins, is ready to change our hearts. Ezekiel 18:27 “If a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.” It is a choice—but a very important one.

            We are all accountable for our actions and decisions—Are we following the Word or the world with our online time—is the question. All choices come from the heart—they must be right choices. Luke 17:21 “The kingdom of God is within you.” We will give an account to the Judge of everyone!

            There are new issues to deal with today—cell phones, tablets, and Internet access are just three of them. We must witness for the Truth—not the world! 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 ”Brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

5 “But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.” That is a serious warning about online responsibility!

            Our only goal is to stand before the Son of God on the day of reckoning, and be accepted into His kingdom with our heart cleansed and our sins forgiven. Since it is a matter of the heart—when we make online choices—the words of our Savior take on a whole new meaning.

Mark 7:21-23 “From within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, [fornication], theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God.”

We must be on-guard continuously—we must use technology in a scriptural way—or make the choice to get rid of the cause! Use it—or misuse it—that is everyone’s choice!