A Believer's Relationship With Technology

Hey, fellas!

I'm Vince Miller, and I'm here to talk about something that's been on my mind: our relationship with technology from a biblical perspective.

In this modern world, technology has become a dominant force, and as believers, we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads. I believe that our attachment to technology can hinder our spiritual growth and rob us of true freedom. Today, I want to delve into three pressing concerns that demand our attention when it comes to technology.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, let's face it, we all have some nagging concerns about technology. And with the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence, we can expect the pace of change to accelerate even further. AI is a whole new frontier, both for the world and the church, and it's bound to have an impact on us as believers. So, I want to address a few concerns I've been pondering regarding AI.

Now, we all know that the Bible doesn't directly address AI or technology. However, it does indirectly touch upon these subjects and provides guidance and insight on how believers should respond. It offers us a framework to navigate these changing times.

So, today, I want to break it down into three primary concerns that have been on my mind.

Concern One | Breaking Free from the World's Systems

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? — 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

You know what they say, "Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers." This verse from 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 has always resonated with me. It expresses Paul's concern for the believers in Corinth and their vulnerability to the corrupt culture surrounding them. Corinth was like the New Testament version of Las Vegas, influenced by the Roman government, Greek culture, cults, and all sorts of immoral behavior.

Paul urges them to detach themselves from these influences and critically evaluate the unrighteousness and lawlessness of their surroundings. He wants them to be mindful of their partnerships, whether they be friendships, business ventures, or anything else. Why? Because these influences are incredibly powerful and can easily sway us away from our faith.

Now, Paul isn't suggesting that we should completely avoid interactions with non-believers. It's more about avoiding connections that would tie us to values or beliefs that oppose our faith.

In the past, Christians had the freedom to hold differing views from those in business, government, or education. But those times are quickly changing. Moral and ethical boundaries are being redrawn, and we're entering an era where our convictions may lead to social and corporate persecution. We're already witnessing the initial signs of this cultural shift, and it may eventually lead to forced endorsement.

This is where my concern about technology and AI comes into play. According to a survey by Global Web Index in 2020, internet users aged 16 to 64 spent an average of nearly 7 hours a day on technology across all devices. If we're already "yoked" to these devices and technology, which are only getting smarter and faster, who or what is discipling us? The truth is, it's always the person or thing we spend the most time with.

As believers, we need to find ways to distance ourselves from these influences. We need to practice healthy independence and ensure that our lives are still guided by biblical values, even while enjoying the freedom these technologies offer. If our business practices are not aligned with Christian values, then we're being discipled by the ideologies of the world.

We need to break free from these yokes, because we're not just passively yoked. We're actively being discipled, and it's happening faster than ever before. Soon, AI may even know what we're thinking and considering before we've even realized it ourselves.

Concern Two | Bondage To Sin

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2

Alright, let's dive into Concern Two: Bondage To Sin!

You know what's incredible? The message Paul shared with the Roman believers on the most important freedom we will ever have. In a world overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and the heaviness of sin, Paul brings us a glimmer of true freedom. The verses in Romans 8:1-2 speak volumes about the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They boldly declare that there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. It's a powerful truth that sets us free from the law of sin and death.

Just think about it. The absence of condemnation is an extraordinary gift. That relentless voice of condemnation, always trying to accuse and trap us in guilt, is silenced by the voice of God. When we surrender our lives to Jesus and accept His sacrifice on the cross, a whole new realm of freedom opens up to us. Our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled with God. The heavy burden of condemnation is lifted from our shoulders.

But there's more! There is a Spirit of Life that takes over the law of sin and death. When we put our faith in Jesus, it's not just about forgiveness; it's about being empowered to live in victory. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, breaking the chains of sin that once held us captive. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead breathes life into our mortal bodies, allowing us to walk in righteousness and experience the transformative power of God's grace. We're no longer slaves to sin; we're active participants in the abundant life found only in Jesus.

This is the ultimate freedom we'll ever experience, even if the world fails to offer it to us and drives us toward bondage.

And here's where the sneaky work of AI comes into play. AI has this cunning ability to create artificial hypotheses without any grounding. It's persuasive, manipulative, and faster than we can imagine. It does not just know the next best option for you but all fifty of the next best options you could make, keeping you enslaved to it systems and taking idolatry and sin to a whole new level. It's a reminder that we need to be cautious and discerning about the influence of technology in our lives, especially when it comes to our moral choices.

Alright, now let's move on to the final concern!

Concern Three | Address Your Yokes

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, brings up another important point. He emphasizes the significance of not returning to old yokes once we have experienced freedom in Christ. You see, there are many things in our lives that have an incredible hold over us, acting as yokes that keep us in bondage. For some, it may be certain friendships formed at a particular bar, drawing us into unhealthy patterns. For others, it could be specific websites on our computers that become a gateway to temptation. And for some, it might be stressors in our lives that lead us down a slippery slope towards other vices.

But here's the thing: once we remove the yoke and taste true freedom, it becomes crucial to stay away from the triggers that led us into those old yokes. We must be cautious and vigilant, not allowing ourselves to be entangled in the same web of sin that we once escaped. It's about recognizing those patterns, those triggers, and making a conscious decision to avoid them. We need to break free from the old systems that held us captive.

You know, it's not an easy journey. It takes effort, self-awareness, and a whole lot of reliance on God's strength. But it's worth it. It's worth it because we were created for freedom, not to be slaves to our own weaknesses and destructive habits. God wants us to live in the fullness of His grace and experience the abundant life He has in store for us. So let's stand firm in our freedom, refusing to submit again to the yoke of slavery.

And here's the powerful truth: when we actively choose to address and break free from any yoke in our lives, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's love and grace. We become living testimonies of His redemption and liberation. Others witness our freedom and are inspired to seek the same for themselves. Our journey of breaking free becomes a powerful example, a beacon of hope that encourages others to break free from their own yokes.

So, my friend, let's take this to heart. Let's identify those yokes in our lives, those triggers that lead us down the wrong path. And let's have the courage and determination to break free from them, knowing that God's freedom is ours for the taking. As we do, we'll not only experience the fullness of life God intended for us but also inspire and encourage others to embark on their own journey toward freedom.

Let's stand firm, refusing to be bound by the yokes of slavery, and embrace the freedom Christ has secured for us.

Contact me at vincemiller.com if you need anything at all.

And live all in for him, who lived all in for you.