I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. -Psalm 101:2, 3 (KJV)
As followers of Christ we are called to live lives of holiness. Does this sound like a tall order? It is actually, yet even though this calling is a challenge it is not impossible. Finding ways to commit sin has always been easy, however, in the modern age it’s becoming even easier. As I sit here in front of my computer I am aware that I am a few clicks away from images which could quickly result in my downfall. Many a minister, businessman, politician, and church leader have found out too late that the Internet had ensnared them and they lost everything; their jobs, marriages, relationships with family, and reputation. We have before us a wealth of information and useful tools for ministry. However, we also have in front of us a vast resource of the worst kind of evil.
The temptations on the Internet are by no means limited to pornography. There are also web sites which contain recipes for producing illegal drugs as well as synthetic forms of drugs readily available for order online. There are also web sites which encourage bulimia, anorexia, and suicide. That’s right; I have seen web sites which specialize in step-by-by step instructions for teenagers on how to kill themselves. They also provide templates for suicide notes geared toward maximizing the guilt and anguish of those they leave behind. God help us. The Lord will hold accountable those who publish such filth; of this we can be certain.
In the midst of all of this ungodliness there are an infinite number of positive uses for the Internet. We have the tools for encouraging one another to a deeper walk with Christ, Bible translations and study helps, strategies for growing in faith, and online support for a range of personal problems. I suppose I could be like a pastor friend of mine who refuses to even own a computer much less spend time online. While I respect his hard-line stance, I also realize that in order to connect with a new generation of people I need to stay as current as possible. Therefore, with God’s help and daily spiritual restraint, I will make use of the Internet and seek to use it for God’s glory and the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, seek God daily and practice personal holiness and discipline. Share your computer usage with your spouse and keep no online secrets from one another. Allow your history file open for inspection at all times. Keep your computer in a public part of the house so family members can see what you are doing online.
Let us strive to do as the Bible says and set an example in the faith for others to follow.
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