by Heath Rogers
Synopsis: Christians must remain alert while online, knowing that the devil effectively uses advancing technology to entice, entrap, and destroy us in sin.
Satan has always tempted man to sin through three avenues: "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). He successfully used these three avenues as he tempted Eve in the Garden (Gen. 3:6). He tried to employ them when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). We can expect Satan to use these three avenues as he tempts us today.
The devil has always been able to adapt with the times. He makes great use of technology as it advances. The internet has provided the devil with an incredible tool as he entices mankind to sin in the current age.
These are natural desires, but Satan appeals to us to fulfill them in unauthorized or sinful ways. David had to walk on his rooftop to see a beautiful woman bathing (2 Sam. 11:2). Today, one can access such images (and worse) in an instant on their devices. Although specific numbers vary from year to year, statistics indicate that over 28,000 users are watching internet pornography every second.
Covetousness is a greedy desire for more than one possesses. There is nothing wrong with wanting things, but a covetous spirit leads us (1) to be dissatisfied and ungrateful for God's blessing, (2) to be envious of those who possess the things that we desire, and (3) to commit sin in order to obtain them.
When tempting Jesus to sin, the devil took Him up on a high mountain and "showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time" (Luke 4:5). The internet can effectively do the same thing. The developers of websites and phone apps exploit human behavioral tendencies, designing their products and sites in ways that attract and retain our gaze. Hours are spent on sites, as we look at things we want, while God's work goes undone.
The internet fuels the pride of those who glory in self-promotion. Whether it be posts placed on social media, or videos posted on YouTube, some people are obsessed with the number of views, likes, and shares they received. Their importance is based upon their popularity online. Instead of seeking first the kingdom of God, or the benefit of their fellowman, they are seeking the highest number of hits, likes, shares, etc.
What can a Christian do to protect his heart, soul, and influence in this internet age?
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps. 119:11). Memorized Scripture is a resource to use when battling temptation from any source (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10), including the internet. How does your "screen time" compare to your Scripture time?
We all need God's help in overcoming temptation. Prayer is the means by which we seek and receive this help. Jesus taught us to pray, "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one…" (Matt. 6:13). How many times do we ask the Father for such help and guidance in our daily lives?
One danger of using the internet is that it offers a false sense of anonymity. Some feel they can go online, visit any site they want, and no one will know. God knows the things we see online (Heb. 4:13).
One safeguard against this danger is making yourself accountable to others (Prov. 27:17). We will be more careful of the websites we visit if we know we will be asked about where we have been online. Give a faithful friend your permission to ask you about where you have been online—and commit yourself to give an honest answer. Don't delete your browser history. Spend your online time in the open where others can see you.
Why are you posting a selfie or video? Is it to see how many "likes" and "shares" you can get? Why are you wanting to post a terrible review for a company or place of business? Is it so you can vent your feelings and make yourself feel better at another's expense? It would do us all good to ask these kinds of questions before we hit "Like," "Share," or "Send." Let's make sure we are not like the hypocrites that Jesus denounced who did things only to be seen by men (Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18).
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Phil. 4:11). Marketers excel at creating a desire and convincing us that it is a necessity. There is nothing wrong with going online to look at things, but we need to learn to be satisfied with the blessings we already possess. Perhaps if we spent more time enjoying these things, instead of wasting time with online longing, we would be happier people.
"Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess" (Deut. 5:32-33). The internet can be a great benefit to the Christian, but many pitfalls and distractions are found online. Many people are trying to get our attention while we are surfing the web. Advertisements "pop up," enticing us to take a look. Some links are hijacked and send one to sinful websites. Fight the temptations that "pop up," stay on the path (i.e., do what you got online to do), and then log off.
"If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire" (Matt. 18:8). We know Jesus was not teaching self-mutilation, but extreme self-control. If access to a specific temptation causes us a problem, we need to act as if we have no eye to look at it, no foot to carry us to it, and no hand to grasp it. However, the warning, "Cut it off!" is especially applicable to the internet. We may live in the internet age, but we can survive without it: "If access to the internet is causing you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life without a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, rather than having such to be cast into everlasting fire."
Satan is the restless enemy of God's people. He is always on the prowl, looking to devour the Christian (1 Pet. 5:8). We know the tactics of our enemy quite well (2 Cor. 2:11). Technology will bring new and exciting advancements, but the battle against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life rages still. We must remain on the alert when we are online.
Author Bio: Heath has been preaching for the Knollwood church of Christ in Beavercreek, OH since 2011. He and his wife, Christy, have two children. The church website is knollwoodchurch.org. He can be reached at heathrogers71@yahoo.com.
