We hear about the effects of the internet age all the time: attention spans are shortening. People are addicted to their devices. And, of course, social media has led to increased political and cultural polarization.
It’s this last point that Bonnie Kristian explores in her recent article “The Digital Devil Looks to Devour.”
“Are Scripture and pulpit losing to screen in my own life?” Kristian wonders. “Is my soul being wounded by falsehood? Am I approving of and seeking approval for things that don’t deserve it?”
In answering these questions for ourselves, we may find feelings of guilt or defensiveness threatening to entrap us. But Kristian—not to mention Jesus—would just as soon have us remain in our digital dungeons. The ultimate answer isn’t despair.
Rather than a temptation toward shame, our awareness of the problem can serve as an invitation to deeper reflection and wisdom. As we ponder our relationships to technology and media, may we keep this truth at the forefront of our minds: the devil seeks to devour us, but we have the Holy Spirit within us, ever-ready to come to our aid.
