3 Problems With Technology

About this sermon

Designed to keep us connected and grow community, social media has grown at a staggering rate in just the past few years. But is it always a good thing to be so connected? Does social media actually cause us to lose focus of what life is really about? In this message, Pastor Ed Young unpacks the power, potential and even the possible pitfalls of social media in our lives. From God's perspective, he shows us how social media can either be a tool, or a tail. And he reveals the amazing potential it has to bring us closer together...and closer to God. Why do we say things online that we would never say to someone’s face? Why do we make unkind comments about restaurants, hotels, athletes, coaches, teachers, classmates, teammates, or friends? It is because technology and social media allow us to hide behind a facade of anonymity. Theology or Technology: In theology, we talk about God’s omniscience. That means he knows everything. He’s also omnipresent. That means he’s everywhere. He’s omnipotent, or all-powerful. Many of us treat technology like theology. Technology is omnipresent. You can’t go anywhere in the world without seeing some form of social media. Technology is omnipotent. It’s powerful. Knowledge is power, power is knowledge. It also has the power to tear down and build up. Technology can cause us to become prideful. Jean Twenge and Keith Campbell, two researchers in this field, write, “Understanding the narcissism epidemic is important because its long-term consequences are destructive to society. American culture’s focus on self-admiration has caused a flight from reality to the land of grandiose fantasy. Permissive parenting, celebrity culture, and the internet are among the causes of the emerging narcissism epidemic.” Narcissism is another word for pride. The Prayer of Technology: Our technology, who art online, iPhone be thy name. Thy comments come, my will be done, on Facebook as it is on Instagram. Give us this post our daily boast and forgive us our Tweets as we bash those who Tweet against us. Lead our thumbs into textation and deliver us to me-ville, for Vine I the kingdom and followers the power and likes the glory forever and ever. #Amen! How to Pray Against Pride S – Search me. E – Empty me. L – Lead me today. In conversations, in situations, to glorify you. F – Fill me, baptize me, immerse me in your Spirit. Technology is great. We need to face it and embrace it. However, we need to understand that there is a dark side. It is a huge mirror that reflects not only the exterior but the interior of your heart and mine. We’re voyeuristic. We love to see what other people are doing. Granted, we can learn from other people, we can connect with other people, and we can ask questions to other people, as we’ve never done in the history of the world. However, we have to be careful because technology can pull us away from God. How can you use technology without it using you? 1. Edit your posts. What are your posts saying about you? Are they showing a false you? 2. Technology is a tool. Use it wisely. Use it to advance God’s kingdom. 3. Identify your trigger points. Do some people’s posts cause you envy? 4. Spend time with people face to face. 5. Collect technology every day. If you have kids, make them put their devices away during dinner. #Technology #TechTips Hecknology: The Use of Technology - Part 3 | Ed Young 3 Problems With Technology ------ Pastor Ed Young is the senior pastor of Fellowship Church based in the DFW Metroplex, he is also an author, and conference speaker noted for his creative communication style. Make sure to subscribe to the channel for more inspirational content from Pastor Ed Young. Hit the Notification Bell so that you never miss Ed's most recent video. Follow #EdYoung​ on social Ed Young Facebook: http://bit.ly/EdYoungFB Ed Young Instagram: http://bit.ly/EdYoungIG Ed Young Twitter: http://bit.ly/EdYoungTW

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• Christian Living