God Versus Technology

In a rapidly changing world, the contrast of God and technology is a topic that stirs profound questions about faith, progress, and humanity's relationship with the divine.

The Scriptures remind us that God

does not change, but as we advance technologically, how does it affect our understanding of God's Kingdom, and what are the implications for our spiritual journey?

God's Unchanging Nature: The Bible, in Malachi 3:6 (NIV), asserts, "I the Lord do not change." This unchanging nature of God offers believers a rock-solid foundation for their faith. Nonetheless, technology, by its very nature, continues to progress and evolve. The progression of technology shall not change God. Likewise, it should not possess the power to transform God's children into a life of sin.

It is entirely possible to embrace and utilize technology while upholding your values and integrity. In fact, it is desirable that God's people would be at the forefront of technological advancements, conquering challenges, all the while standing resolute in their convictions and beliefs, and bowing out, not down, when necessary!

James 1:17 (NIV): "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV): "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."

Psalm 102:25-27 (NIV): "In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded, but you remain the same, and your years will never end."

This raises the question: Can advancing technology coexist harmoniously with an unchanging God?  Absolutely, but with boundaries.

Advancing the Kingdom of God:

• Access to Information and Scripture: In our digitally connected world, technology has achieved something remarkable—it has made the Bible and sacred texts accessible to billions. This technological marvel not only spreads the Gospel but also invites contemplation. How does the ease of access affect our understanding of scripture and our relationship with God? We are reminded in Matthew 28:19-20 of the Great Commission.

Does the digital pulpit effectively reach those who might otherwise never encounter God's word? Undoubtedly, yes! However, could it also lead Christians away from their faith and into the world? Regrettably, that possibility exists. In such cases, it could be argued that these individuals did not fully consider the cost of discipleship from the outset, potentially exhibiting lukewarm faith. It is worth remembering that the most resilient runners emerge at the end of the race. 

• Global Outreach: The power of technology extends beyond our borders, enabling missionaries and faith-based organizations to bridge geographical gaps and reach remote and underserved regions. Acts 1:8 beckons believers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, but how does technology empower us to fulfill this divine calling? What impact does it have on the lives of those in far-flung corners of the world?

• Innovation in Worship: With technology, worship takes on creative and innovative dimensions. Streaming church services, producing Christian music, and crafting digital devotionals expand our worship possibilities. But as we explore these avenues, do we remain true to the spirit of Psalm 150:4, praising Him with various forms of worship, or do we risk reducing worship to mere entertainment?

Challenges to God's Kingdom:

• Distraction and Idolatry: Technology's potential to become an idol diverts our focus from God, as Matthew 6:24 (KJV) warns, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." How can we navigate the allure of worldly matters in the age of technology?

• Loss of Personal Connection: While technology connects us globally, it can isolate us from genuine face-to-face interactions (Proverbs 18:24, KJV) which states, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." How can we strike a balance between the convenience of digital connection and the value of physical presence?

• Ethical Dilemmas and Playing God: Advancements like AI and biotechnology raise ethical questions about playing God, as Genesis 2:7 (KJV) reminds us, "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." How do we approach these ethical challenges in a tech-driven world?

• Information Overload and Spiritual Confusion: The digital age inundates us with information, potentially leading to spiritual confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV) which states, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." How can we discern amidst this sea of information and maintain inner peace?

• Secular Influence and Faith Dilution: The prevalence of secular content in digital media can challenge our faith (Colossians 2:8, KJV) which advises against being "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." How can we guard against being swayed by worldly philosophies while engaging with digital culture?

• Crimes Against Children and Their Safety: Addressing the importance of safeguarding children, Matthew 18:6 (KJV) states, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." This scripture underscores the gravity of crimes against children and the responsibility to protect them.

With the increasing use of smartphones, tablets, and computers, children have access to a vast online world that can sometimes include inappropriate or harmful content. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Parents must take proactive steps to protect their children from online risks, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. This involves implementing parental controls, educating children about online safety, and maintaining open communication about their online experiences. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) reminds us of the importance of parental guidance: "Start children off on the way they should go and when they are older they will not depart from it."

• Vanity and Its Pitfalls: In Ecclesiastes 1:2 (KJV), we find the reflection, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." This verse from Ecclesiastes highlights the emptiness of worldly pursuits, emphasizing the futility of vanity and materialism.

Technology has revolutionized our ability to access information and scripture, ushering in a new era for spreading the Gospel. Through digital platforms, billions can now encounter God's word, realizing the vision of Matthew 28:19-20. The internet serves as a modern pulpit, reaching souls previously untouched.

In this age of technological advancement, all the most influential mountains in the realms of technology, medicine, entertainment, media, and beyond should be saturated with God's people. Those who carry the living God within them bring an abundance to the table that surpasses those without the Creator.

They should lead with confidence, aiming to outshine their unbelieving counterparts. This synergy between faith and technology has the potential to reshape the world's spiritual landscape.

In the absence of a harmonious connection between technology and God, we risk venturing down paths fraught with undesirable consequences and experiences that we may come to regret profoundly.

As the final words of Antoine Lavey, head of the Church of Satan, on his deathbed hauntingly echoed, "OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, WHAT HAVE I DONE? THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG!" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nWt_U2gEEI

This stands as a stark reminder that severing the connection between the Creator of the universe and our technological and medical advancements will inevitably lead humanity to utter those very words they presently refuse to acknowledge. It's only a matter of time before the repercussions of this divide become evident, compelling us to reassess the relationship between our technological pursuits and the spiritual guidance that has the potential to positively influence their trajectory.

However, consider this profound question: What awe-inspiring and unimaginable accomplishments could we attain if we opted to collaborate with God, the most omnipotent Creator of all?

As technology boldly advances into uncharted territories, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, it raises profound ethical dilemmas akin to those encountered in the divine act of creating humanity, as recorded in Genesis 2:7 (KJV): "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." These parallels compel us to confront the far-reaching implications of assuming the role of the Creator within the realm of technology, urging us to navigate the potential pitfalls of playing God with wisdom and discernment.

Has there ever been a challenger who dared to engage the Almighty in a game of chess, defying the very laws of creation, and astonishingly emerged victorious against the divine?

How can one cleanse themselves of the impending catastrophe when the wheels of fate are already set in motion? In such dire circumstances, wisdom beckons us to seek refuge in the age-old counsel that advises us to "prepare for the storm even when the skies are clear." Is there a way to alter the course of destiny, or must we find solace in our efforts to weather the tempest that approaches?

Amanda Allen

www.KingdomRevelations.com

"Tempting God is like playing with fire, and once you've turned your back on wisdom, the shadows of judgment loom ever closer, casting a chilling presence over your path."~~aa