By: Kyle Austin

First we need to understand that technology itself is not the issue. It is how we use technology that is the big issue. So what we want to discover is how can we use technology rather than it using us.

Think about this. The average user checks their phone 63 times a day, spends 5.4 hours on their mobile devices, with 2 hours 24 minutes being the average time consumed for social media. No matter which side you fall on these stats, using devices consumes a lot of time in our lives. For some, this time is productive. It is how you get your work done and get many things accomplished. For others, it is how you chill and is an avenue for entertainment. Yet for some, it is time wasted away aimlessly scrolling and searching. Maybe you are like me and struggle with the habit of picking up and checking devices constantly. Lets use these stats in two ways.

Let me give you two “P”s of technology.

1. If that many people are consuming that much content then use it as a means to promote truth and Christ.
2. If that much time is being spent on devices and the web then we must protect ourselves.
   

Promote

The internet and devices are a tremendous avenue to reach a greater audience than ever before! You have the ability to reach and connect with people all over the world. So don’t settle to just be a consumer with technology. Utilize it to get the message out. The message of truth, the message of the Gospel, and the message of hope. Use social media, record and post videos, write blogs, or start a website. All you need is a device and a brain and If you are reading this then you have both! You already have what it takes to use technology in a godly way.

Don’t be scared…go for it! Whether you get one view or 400 views. Whether you have 5 subscribers or 100 subscribers. It is not about the numbers though that is what the world wants us to think. It is all about using an opportunity to serve God and reach others. Be an encourager! Be an apologist! Be a source of truth! It could be your post, the verse you put out, or the pic that encourages someone. It could be your blog that leads someone to faith in Jesus Christ. 

Protect

We all need to protect ourselves by setting proactive safeguards on our devices. It is the idea of setting up guardrails to keep yourself from accidentally or intentional driving off the road and crashing in life.

1. Set your screen time. If you struggle with consuming too much time on your devices and the web then set some limits. Use screen time or whatever your device offers to set time limits and then most importantly follow those limits. I struggle at various times in life to make sure I'm not spending too much time on devices. There is a constant draw so I'm constantly reassessing my time and making changes or setting screen time limits.
2. Block certain sites. if you have issues surfing sites or content that you know is ungodly and harmful then block those sites. Both your computer, phone, and tablet will allow you to do this. Block it and leave it.  
3. Have an accountability partner. This can be both a proactive measure or if you are working to get help in an area you are struggling in. My wife and I share all passwords and social accounts. We both have access to each other's devices. We do this on purpose. These are safeguards we put in place to be proactive in protecting ourselves and our marriage. If you are not married find a friend or family member.

The bottom line is...find ways to use technology rather than it using you!