In this time in the history of Man as we know it, there is so much technology in use everywhere, all the time. Technology that wasn't present just a few years ago.  Cell phones (of all shapes, sizes, colors), Internet (almost unheard of just 15 years ago), Internet browsing cell phones, PDAs, WiFi, Bluetooth, VoIP, streaming Internet feeds (data, audio, video, telephony), GPS, Biometrics, WAN, WLAN, Social Networks, DSL, Web Apps, Thumb/Flash drives, IDE, SATA, DVD-R, FireWire ... the list goes on and on.

What many of us don't realize, is that Technology can become an addiction just as surely as illegal drugs such as Crack are extremely addictive.  If we are not careful, addiction to technology can become a "false god" or idol that will bind us down and blind us from the light of the Lord.

Ask yourself:

1. Do I spend most of my time in the day (other than job/work time) at a computer? or on a cell phone? using any of the technologies listed above? Or any combination of those technologies? 
   
2. While using these technologies, how much of my time (other than job/work time) is spent in activities that further the spiritual development and progression of those around me?  How much of that time is used for my own spiritual development and progression?
3. How much of the time using technology am I worshipping our Lord and Savior?  Or furthering his work?

NOTE: If you're self-employed, you might need to consider ALL of your both your work time and personal time when considering the answers to these questions.  You decide.

If the time from each of those questions, combined, is less than 1/4 of the time you spend using technology, while most of your time outside of work is spent using these technologies, then you are most likely addicted to technology and you are in danger of technology being a false god or idol for you.

Technology is very useful, and has many benefits and blessings to our world.  There is no doubt that Technology also aids in furthering the Lord's work (geneology, research, sharing testimonies, communications, etc.) but the use of Technology is also very distracting.  Social Networks, Messaging, Email, online media, games, etc. all can occupy huge amounts of our precious time and if we are not careful will easily distract us in just a quick click of the mouse, and take us away from doing our part in the Lord's Kingdom, and distract us away from spiritual development and growth and the feet of the Lord and the Lord's chosen leaders.

For myself, I've found that once I realized my addiction to technology and then actively worked to put the Lord before technology, peace and calm fills my soul and instead of constantly struggling to fit Church and religious responsibilities into my schedule, suddenly it is easy to do my callings, to read the scriptures (and really study them) regularly, and once more I can hear and feel the Holy Spirit so much more.

Tags: Technology Addiction

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