Building A Techie Youth in Wisdom
Nowadays, we are more likely to find teens connected with mobile phones and email, than we are engaged in social clubs. And for some that do get involved in social clubs, it is the technology within those clubs that helps to keep their interests going. Reading reports, such as this one from USAToday, makes me take the stance that beyond just getting technology in the hands of teens and other young folks; there needs to be rules and standards that govern their use. Not so much to limit their creativity, but to encourage the adoption and shared use of this resource.
When I was just a bit younger in the Lord, I felt that the Bible didnt do much to help me out during this transistional time. I felt that as a young adult that there were not a lot of tools there for a young adult engaged with technology. Its good to know that I was wrong. Proverbs is one book that will forever minister to those that are young at heart and desire to walk with wisdom and understanding in everything. So now, as someone who can have a voice amongst teens and young adults (not that I am really that much older), I have a responsiblity to make sure that beyond the growing numbers of teens and youth online, that the growth of the effects of being online and connected are well understood as they too can grow fast.
I look at Proverbs such as Chapter 2 (in governing where to visit and what to visit online) and Chapter 16:17-25 (in keeping one's communication edifying in chatrooms and on IM) to see that the Connected Generation is quite well covered by the Word. And for us to be successful in making sure that being online doesnt lead to covetousness, idoltry, or worse. The key, of course, is making sure that we ourselves as those who have walked this are not being degraded to the same temptations. Its hard not to show off that new PDA, mobile phone or laptop. But in making sure that these devices dont give us the glory, we have to set aside the excitement just more than enough, so that our Lord might be able to use our tools for His glory. And the children that are trained with these tech tools now, will later prove to be fruit-bearing techies of the Father.
When I was just a bit younger in the Lord, I felt that the Bible didnt do much to help me out during this transistional time. I felt that as a young adult that there were not a lot of tools there for a young adult engaged with technology. Its good to know that I was wrong. Proverbs is one book that will forever minister to those that are young at heart and desire to walk with wisdom and understanding in everything. So now, as someone who can have a voice amongst teens and young adults (not that I am really that much older), I have a responsiblity to make sure that beyond the growing numbers of teens and youth online, that the growth of the effects of being online and connected are well understood as they too can grow fast.
I look at Proverbs such as Chapter 2 (in governing where to visit and what to visit online) and Chapter 16:17-25 (in keeping one's communication edifying in chatrooms and on IM) to see that the Connected Generation is quite well covered by the Word. And for us to be successful in making sure that being online doesnt lead to covetousness, idoltry, or worse. The key, of course, is making sure that we ourselves as those who have walked this are not being degraded to the same temptations. Its hard not to show off that new PDA, mobile phone or laptop. But in making sure that these devices dont give us the glory, we have to set aside the excitement just more than enough, so that our Lord might be able to use our tools for His glory. And the children that are trained with these tech tools now, will later prove to be fruit-bearing techies of the Father.
posted by Antoine @ 7/28/2005 03:22:00 PM
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