Electronics

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Has anyone here ever felt slave to electronics? These days it is might near impossible to not have a phone, or social media. Even much of the entertainment is television, internet, and video games.

I am concerned with my daughter growing up in this electronic age. And even right now, what am I doing? I am on the phone. I mean, this is is an amazing forum. I think anything focusing on learning about God and what He desires is good. I just found this app called Scripture Typer to memorize scripture again, and deleted games off my phone. But social media is my weakness.

I just want to be sure that I am not putting electronics before God. I have fasted phone games before and facebook...but it is that I still feel it is a need to have the phone for if anyone needs to get in contact with me, for emergencies, etc.

I think God is convicting me in this area of how much time I am actually putting into this. I thought about timing this for awhile in how much time I spend on the internet, putting in separate categories when I am studying my online Bible, etc.

Anyone else feel convicted in this area? Or tips in how to handle it?

And I especially would like to hear from generations that didn't have much television or phones.

I thought this would be a good area for these thoughts, because I wonder if these days if internet would be considered a need. I don't see it as that, but if there was no electronics today, it would get pretty chaotic. Thoughts?
 

Helen

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2011
15,476
21,155
113
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
And I especially would like to hear from generations that didn't have much television or phones.

I thought this would be a good area for these thoughts, because I wonder if these days if internet would be considered a need. I don't see it as that, but if there was no electronics today, it would get pretty chaotic. Thoughts?

I don't think that your daughter will have a choice.
"They" will slowly make it impossible to live without them. ( Mark of The Beast?) I often wonder. It is almost as people cannot function without the internet.
In my childhood we didn't even have TV's. I only knew one boy who did, a tiny black and white one. But we did have a radio. :)
And there were only three cars owned in out whole long street!!
My mother never had a Fridge. No one did.
We had been married 3 years before we got our first fridge. And a year later we got the vacuum cleaner.... then a telephone. We had arrived. :D
But in all that, neither did we have credit cards or debts.
We lived, we had fun, we actually held conversations...a dying art these days.
We did not need the internet. Doctor could manage well. Back then, they actually 'doctored' they didn't just ask how you were and write a prescription. We had busses and trains ...and we actually used our LEGS and walked :)
We had raincoats and umbrella's when it rained.

We are 76 and 80yrs old. We do not have a Cell phone.
Yet already we are being harassed by different people frowning that we cannot give them a cell phone number. I had it the other day in the Bank.
Soon I presume it will be mandatory and we will have to get one. :(

I agree with you about worrying about the young.
Cell phones have ruined Christmas ( for those who celebrate it) Or any other family meal come to that!! They all have cell phones by their plate's , and rudely check their messages or google something...right in the middle of a conversation.

I am sure they are useful at times...but so is a pencil.
 

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I don't think that your daughter will have a choice.
"They" will slowly make it impossible to live without them. ( Mark of The Beast?) I often wonder. It is almost as people cannot function without the internet.
In my childhood we didn't even have TV's. I only knew one boy who did, a tiny black and white one. But we did have a radio. :)
And there were only three cars owned in out whole long street!!
My mother never had a Fridge. No one did.
We had been married 3 years before we got our first fridge. And a year later we got the vacuum cleaner.... then a telephone. We had arrived. :D
But in all that, neither did we have credit cards or debts.
We lived, we had fun, we actually held conversations...a dying art these days.
We did not need the internet. Doctor could manage well. Back then, they actually 'doctored' they didn't just ask how you were and write a prescription. We had busses and trains ...and we actually used our LEGS and walked :)
We had raincoats and umbrella's when it rained.

We are 76 and 80yrs old. We do not have a Cell phone.
Yet already we are being harassed by different people frowning that we cannot give them a cell phone number. I had it the other day in the Bank.
Soon I presume it will be mandatory and we will have to get one. :(

I agree with you about worrying about the young.
Cell phones have ruined Christmas ( for those who celebrate it) Or any other family meal come to that!! They all have cell phones by their plate's , and rudely check their messages or google something...right in the middle of a conversation.

I am sure they are useful at times...but so is a pencil.

I guess I could ask my husband if we can move into an Amish neighborhood. Plenty around in these parts. :D Kidding, but I want to take some steps to show my daughter how to protect her heart.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 NASB


But internet is our "connection" these days and can be false connection. This is my concern, but don't know what to necessarily do to protect my daughter from being completely desensitized in this technological world, except giving her a love for God's Word and how to abide by that.. I have only recently awaken to what I have been allowing into my mind. Things like a stove and air conditioner is just as much a blessing as a computer. But these are not needs. God has promised to meet all of our needs if we follow Him.

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:31‭-‬34 NASB
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nancy and Helen

GodsGrace

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2017
10,727
5,716
113
Tuscany
Faith
Christian
Country
Italy
Has anyone here ever felt slave to electronics? These days it is might near impossible to not have a phone, or social media. Even much of the entertainment is television, internet, and video games.

I am concerned with my daughter growing up in this electronic age. And even right now, what am I doing? I am on the phone. I mean, this is is an amazing forum. I think anything focusing on learning about God and what He desires is good. I just found this app called Scripture Typer to memorize scripture again, and deleted games off my phone. But social media is my weakness.

I just want to be sure that I am not putting electronics before God. I have fasted phone games before and facebook...but it is that I still feel it is a need to have the phone for if anyone needs to get in contact with me, for emergencies, etc.

I think God is convicting me in this area of how much time I am actually putting into this. I thought about timing this for awhile in how much time I spend on the internet, putting in separate categories when I am studying my online Bible, etc.

Anyone else feel convicted in this area? Or tips in how to handle it?

And I especially would like to hear from generations that didn't have much television or phones.

I thought this would be a good area for these thoughts, because I wonder if these days if internet would be considered a need. I don't see it as that, but if there was no electronics today, it would get pretty chaotic. Thoughts?
It's called progress. It can't be stopped.
I agree with everything @"ByGrace" posted.
Things change,,,life changes. We'd like our kids to mirror us and have our habits and values.
They might end up with our values, but not our habits.
Just like we couldn't live without a phone, they can't live without a smart phone and internet.
As BG said, conversation is becoming a lost form of communication due to messaging and having to keep conversations short.

We just have to accept this. No use fighting it. The fighting days are over,,,
I would just insist on what my daughter does...no phones at the dinner table, or any meal.
No more getting grounded either,,,most parents take the cell phone away for a day or so.
It's like everything else...
It's good and it's bad.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Helen and Mayflower

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
It's called progress. It can't be stopped.
I agree with everything @"ByGrace" posted.
Things change,,,life changes. We'd like our kids to mirror us and have our habits and values.
They might end up with our values, but not our habits.
Just like we couldn't live without a phone, they can't live without a smart phone and internet.
As BG said, conversation is becoming a lost form of communication due to messaging and having to keep conversations short.

We just have to accept this. No use fighting it. The fighting days are over,,,
I would just insist on what my daughter does...no phones at the dinner table, or any meal.
No more getting grounded either,,,most parents take the cell phone away for a day or so.
It's like everything else...
It's good and it's bad.

I agree with you, but also think it should be fought to an extent. These changes may or may not be the mark of the beast, but can very easily become idols put before God or in place of God, which is the very first commandment God has told us not to do. The fighting days are not over until we meet our Maker. And electronics can be just as big a part of spiritual warfare. Even more so these days.
 

GodsGrace

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2017
10,727
5,716
113
Tuscany
Faith
Christian
Country
Italy
Has anyone here ever felt slave to electronics? These days it is might near impossible to not have a phone, or social media. Even much of the entertainment is television, internet, and video games.

I am concerned with my daughter growing up in this electronic age. And even right now, what am I doing? I am on the phone. I mean, this is is an amazing forum. I think anything focusing on learning about God and what He desires is good. I just found this app called Scripture Typer to memorize scripture again, and deleted games off my phone. But social media is my weakness.

I just want to be sure that I am not putting electronics before God. I have fasted phone games before and facebook...but it is that I still feel it is a need to have the phone for if anyone needs to get in contact with me, for emergencies, etc.

I think God is convicting me in this area of how much time I am actually putting into this. I thought about timing this for awhile in how much time I spend on the internet, putting in separate categories when I am studying my online Bible, etc.

Anyone else feel convicted in this area? Or tips in how to handle it?

And I especially would like to hear from generations that didn't have much television or phones.

I thought this would be a good area for these thoughts, because I wonder if these days if internet would be considered a need. I don't see it as that, but if there was no electronics today, it would get pretty chaotic. Thoughts?
P.S. I don't think using the phone is putting it before God, but Paul did say not to get drunk on anything.
I know a girl, about 40, who cancelled Facebook because she became addicted to it and it was taking time away from her young children.

I think God leads us,,,we don't have to give up something like this unless it's disrupting our life.
He'll let you know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

GodsGrace

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2017
10,727
5,716
113
Tuscany
Faith
Christian
Country
Italy
I agree with you, but also think it should be fought to an extent. These changes may or may not be the mark of the beast, but can very easily become idols put before God or in place of God, which is the very first commandment God has told us not to do. The fighting days are not over until we meet our Maker. And electronics can be just as big a part of spiritual warfare. Even more so these days.
I wonder how old you are.
I was around for all the wars...
Woman's lib
Divorce
Abortion
Free love
Freedom
SSM
etc.

The war on electronics is over...they're here to stay.
Just make the best of it. I don't think it's the sign of the beast...
Every new thing was the sign.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I wonder how old you are.
I was around for all the wars...
Woman's lib
Divorce
Abortion
Free love
Freedom
SSM
etc.

The war on electronics is over...they're here to stay.
Just make the best of it. I don't think it's the sign of the beast...
Every new thing was the sign.

I am 31, so yeh, I've seen some things. And I mean, I know electronics are here to stay. I mean our fight against putting things above God. For many, I would think this would be one of the hardest battles. It is something to just think about and question. Where do electronics place in our lives? And if they are taking place before our relationship with God, how do we fight this and change it.
 

GodsGrace

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2017
10,727
5,716
113
Tuscany
Faith
Christian
Country
Italy
I am 31, so yeh, I've seen some things. And I mean, I know electronics are here to stay. I mean our fight against putting things above God. For many, I would think this would be one of the hardest battles. It is something to just think about and question. Where do electronics place in our lives? And if they are taking place before our relationship with God, how do we fight this and change it.
Oh.
It's the same as anything else, don't you think?
I'm addicted to movies but I know I don't love them more than God.
It's OK to like and enjoy things. It's a matter of knowledge,,,we Know we love God more.
Do you think electronics are more absorbing?
Maybe to young kids?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower

GodsGrace

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2017
10,727
5,716
113
Tuscany
Faith
Christian
Country
Italy
I am 31, so yeh, I've seen some things. And I mean, I know electronics are here to stay. I mean our fight against putting things above God. For many, I would think this would be one of the hardest battles. It is something to just think about and question. Where do electronics place in our lives? And if they are taking place before our relationship with God, how do we fight this and change it.
You mean this in a deeper way.
Tomorrow...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower

Helen

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2011
15,476
21,155
113
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
I am 31, so yeh, I've seen some things. And I mean, I know electronics are here to stay. I mean our fight against putting things above God. For many, I would think this would be one of the hardest battles. It is something to just think about and question. Where do electronics place in our lives? And if they are taking place before our relationship with God, how do we fight this and change it.

I remember all the hype about having a television in the house.

" An Altar of Satan , which takes the main place in the room, and everyone's chair is toward it and worships at it for hours end. "

One preacher went as far as to say that we were all lost if we watched television or had one in the house.

Like Fran...sorry GodsGrace ...we too watch shows on our TV.
We are British, but we have been here in Canada for 43 yrs...so, our winters being 6 - 7 months long, we watch loads British shows ...love 'em, best in the world. :) The Aussies come in a good second. Ha!

Maybe it dulls our spiritual life...but although I can read the word and pray for hours...those hours are not quite enough ..especially in our long dark winters.

This Techno stuff has not taken God by surprise ...we just need to stay in Him and listen to The Holy Spirit , and be led by what He witnesses to us.
If he tells us to dump it all ..then that is the time...and He may do just that one day.

Myself and my daughter gave our grand daughters a passion to read. When they we born we bought loads of good wonderful books for them. Sadly the modern books are terrible ...try buying up older children stories , even teen stories , and adult too...before they are all banned for being "too Conservative".
So our grandkids grew up being read to every day, and then at about 12 reading for themselves at bed time. We always read to our kids too.
Even today, I'd rather read a good book than watch a movie.
You could try and develop that habit in her, it may help.

Every blessing...H
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower

Enoch111

Well-Known Member
May 27, 2018
17,688
15,996
113
Alberta
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
Has anyone here ever felt slave to electronics?
Honestly, electronic devices are merely TOOLS to communicate more effectively. Personally, that's how I look at these devices.

But there is no doubt that people generally today (and young people particularly) have become addicted to their iPhones. This is an addiction, just like every other addiction. And Christians are presumably from from worldly addictions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

Enoch111

Well-Known Member
May 27, 2018
17,688
15,996
113
Alberta
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
" An Altar of Satan , which takes the main place in the room, and everyone's chair is toward it and worships at it for hours end. "
This could very well be the case for many people. And let's not forget that probably 95-99% of TV programming is just garbage -- nothing edifying. Plus the fact that the Mainstream Media (MSM) are now specializing in fake news, and you really have a Witches Brew.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

Helen

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2011
15,476
21,155
113
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
This could very well be the case for many people. And let's not forget that probably 95-99% of TV programming is just garbage -- nothing edifying. Plus the fact that the Mainstream Media (MSM) are now specializing in fake news, and you really have a Witches Brew.

Totally agree.
That's why we never watch TV. ...but just use our TV as a monitor and a DVD player...we control what we watch...we order good, clean and clever British or Australian shows. And a few US clean shows too, but not many. :)
 

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Oh.
It's the same as anything else, don't you think?
I'm addicted to movies but I know I don't love them more than God.
It's OK to like and enjoy things. It's a matter of knowledge,,,we Know we love God more.
Do you think electronics are more absorbing?
Maybe to young kids?

Yeh, exactly. I guess for me, electronics are more absorbing. I had to finally stop playing video games all together, because when I was pregnant with my daughter, I could play my Xbox 360 for like two days straight. So I thought I could set a limit after my daughter was born, but it was still a big struggle. It really got in the way of my relationship with God. Now my husband, since he was raised on a farm, he could play his racing game and was completely fine when the Xbox broke. But yeh, we aren't getting it fixed. And we are never getting internet for the house either.

At least with my phone, I have deleted games and things. It is a pretty big struggle to have that self discipline. I can't even imagine how hard it may be for my daughter if I don't start setting limits now. I wasn't allowed to be on internet except for school until college though. Then I was on it all the time. Everything in moderation is good.

But especially these days, yes, electronics are definitely more absorbing for kids. And kids are learning to be dependent on them for entertainment/education/ everything.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Helen

Nancy

Well-Known Member
Apr 30, 2018
16,761
25,324
113
Buffalo, Ny
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I guess I could ask my husband if we can move into an Amish neighborhood. Plenty around in these parts. :D Kidding, but I want to take some steps to show my daughter how to protect her heart.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23 NASB


But internet is our "connection" these days and can be false connection. This is my concern, but don't know what to necessarily do to protect my daughter from being completely desensitized in this technological world, except giving her a love for God's Word and how to abide by that.. I have only recently awaken to what I have been allowing into my mind. Things like a stove and air conditioner is just as much a blessing as a computer. But these are not needs. God has promised to meet all of our needs if we follow Him.

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:31‭-‬34 NASB

Hi Mayflower,
"...except giving her a love for God's Word and how to abide by that." <---For sure! Amen.

I am 60, which is still young to SOME here, lol...but I came in kicking and screaming to the cyber world...I got my 1st computer in 2000 because I had started taking nighttime class at a local College. Many, many hours totally WASTED on it...(was not walking with Jesus at the time) Now though? Since I don't do tv at all, I love reading so...this forum for instance, has brought me much encouragement and whenever there is fellowship with God's children, I believe He is Glorified and well pleased! Not the strife though :( So, as far as your daughter is concerned, keep praying for her protection from evil and that she would have a heart for the Lord...she is still young and impressionable so, I see your concern so, maybe look at this like an opportunity to believe God in this ... and rest :) jmo my sister.
-nancy
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I remember all the hype about having a television in the house.

" An Altar of Satan , which takes the main place in the room, and everyone's chair is toward it and worships at it for hours end. "

One preacher went as far as to say that we were all lost if we watched television or had one in the house.

Like Fran...sorry GodsGrace ...we too watch shows on our TV.
We are British, but we have been here in Canada for 43 yrs...so, our winters being 6 - 7 months long, we watch loads British shows ...love 'em, best in the world. :) The Aussies come in a good second. Ha!

Maybe it dulls our spiritual life...but although I can read the word and pray for hours...those hours are not quite enough ..especially in our long dark winters.

This Techno stuff has not taken God by surprise ...we just need to stay in Him and listen to The Holy Spirit , and be led by what He witnesses to us.
If he tells us to dump it all ..then that is the time...and He may do just that one day.

Myself and my daughter gave our grand daughters a passion to read. When they we born we bought loads of good wonderful books for them. Sadly the modern books are terrible ...try buying up older children stories , even teen stories , and adult too...before they are all banned for being "too Conservative".
So our grandkids grew up being read to every day, and then at about 12 reading for themselves at bed time. We always read to our kids too.
Even today, I'd rather read a good book than watch a movie.
You could try and develop that habit in her, it may help.

Every blessing...H

I like to collect books I never read. :D But yes, in moderation tv can be okay. I think I am sticking to Peanut's PBS for the time though. Even Family Feud has added sexual and innapropriate questions that are meant for the bedroom. And I used to watch Criminal Minds and NCIS, but my anxiety has went down and my thought life has been better also. Television, internet, and certain music over an extended time period are probably what has caused a rise in teen depression and suicide, as well as with adults.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nancy

Nancy

Well-Known Member
Apr 30, 2018
16,761
25,324
113
Buffalo, Ny
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I like to collect books I never read. :D But yes, in moderation tv can be okay. I think I am sticking to Peanut's PBS for the time though. Even Family Feud has added sexual and innapropriate questions that are meant for the bedroom. And I used to watch Criminal Minds and NCIS, but my anxiety has went down and my thought life has been better also. Television, internet, and certain music over an extended time period are probably what has caused a rise in teen depression and suicide, as well as with adults.

Have you looked into Pureflix? Some wonderful things on there. I will watch an occasional movie on there from my Laptop. Last one was I believe titled Shades of Gray---kind of a modern day story of Joseph-who was sold into slavery by his bro's in the O.T. Nothing BUT Christian or family friendly stuff!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Helen and Mayflower

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hi Mayflower,
"...except giving her a love for God's Word and how to abide by that." <---For sure! Amen.

I am 60, which is still young to SOME here, lol...but I came in kicking and screaming to the cyber world...I got my 1st computer in 2000 because I had started taking nighttime class at a local College. Many, many hours totally WASTED on it...(was not walking with Jesus at the time) Now though? Since I don't do tv at all, I love reading so...this forum for instance, has brought me much encouragement and whenever there is fellowship with God's children, I believe He is Glorified and well pleased! Not the strife though :( So, as far as your daughter is concerned, keep praying for her protection from evil and that she would have a heart for the Lord...she is still young and impressionable so, I see your concern so, maybe look at this like an opportunity to believe God in this ... and rest :) jmo my sister.
-nancy

It is nice to feel so young on here. :D But with age comes wisdom too, and very nice intellectual discussion for a stay at home mom. :D When school starts online next month though, I won't have to think about how much time I am spending in leisure time on the internet. I won't have any. :D

But yes, this forum is great. This subject has always been on my mind though. I believe to teach my daughter to renew her mind daily and lead by example by renewing my own mind daily with scripture and prayer, is going to be her best weapon in battling the age where electronics and media are idolized.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Helen and Nancy