Facebook, Phones, and Family
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. Psalm 101:2b – 3a
The new, shiny black Honda Accord caught my attention. It was staying in its lane but not in a straight line.
As I passed it I looked over to see the driver, a young woman, texting. She had her phone at the top of the steering wheel so she could kind of/sort of keep her head up.
I was relieved to see that what I thought were kids in the back seat were only headrests.
The incident reminded me of an article I read in the paper some time ago. A young mother put her 18 month old in the bathtub and went to play games on her computer. That little child drowned in the tub where she had been left alone.
More recently, there was the Facebook post about the 2nd graders who wished their parents would give up their phones.
It seems we have a whole generation of parents (and many grandparents) who are addicted to technology. They seem far more interested in the latest email or text message on their phones, or video and computer games than they are in their children or their spiritual growth.
In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul warns the Ephesian Christians, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
The time we have with our children is limited. I know there are days where it seems like forever. But, it’s the will of the Lord that we teach them and prepare them to be adults and serve Him.
Is it wise for parents to use so much of our time on personal technological devices that keep us from paying attention to our family? Isn’t it unwise to take time from wives, husbands, and children to play games with no real value to them? And what about our service to the Lord?
Spouses, children, and other relationships are at the top of the list of what is being neglected while we waste our time on our computers and phones.
The truth is that with the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we can exercise self-control over all things. Putting our God given responsibilities first will bring greater satisfaction. Moms need to love their husbands and children and be busy at home (busier than they are online) according to Titus 2.
It is not loving to ignore our children while we scroll Facebook several times a day.
Perhaps we should adopt the Psalmist’s prayer; “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
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