If you’re reading this devo online, in a few minutes you might move on to other websites. As you do, pay attention to what grabs your attention. What pics or words prompt you to pause for a second look? What links do you click on, and why?
When Jesus said the eye is the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22), He was alluding to the ancient belief that the eye was an internal fire. Light proceeds from the eye, interacts with the light emitted from the object of focus, and then returns through the eye and penetrates into the heart.
You become like whatever draws your attention. If your eye is “good,” literally “single” or “simple,” your commitment to purity and truth will flood your entire body with light (Matthew 6:22-23). But if you play both sides of the street—if you embrace provocative pictures, rumors, or vitriol, then your whole body will become shrouded in darkness. The virtual world can do real damage to your soul. What items on the Web light up your eyes?
Advertisers use sex, gossip, and greed to create sticky sites that are difficult to leave. An evil eye will rationalize hanging around. You know better than to click on that racy story, but you tell yourself it won’t hurt this once. And so you awaken the appetite of lust, and now every time you log on you hope to ogle something new, and soon your shriveled soul is harboring dark and shameful secrets.
Many sites get rich luring people to their destruction, so the most dangerous thing you can do is mindlessly surf the Web. Take Jesus with you online. When possible, use the Web in the presence of others. And remember that whatever lights your eyes can also change you.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 5:17-42
More:
What lessons for using the Web can you draw from Proverbs 7?
Next:
Are there any websites you should stop visiting? As a whole, does spending time on the Internet help or hinder your Christian life? Why?
Joe Hill on October 14, 2011 at 5:44 am
Nine months ago I finally figured out how to upload my Gospel music to the net. At 60 yrs. old more people have listened to my music in that span of time than have listened in my lifetime! My target audience is people that do not know the Lord. They will listen to my Gospel music because it is framed in the blues and jazz. I now have an online ministry.The internet is what you make of it. It can be the source of the ugliest sin imaginable or a tool to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
winn collier on October 14, 2011 at 9:46 am
What grabbed me was the picture of a keyboard… wait …
good words.
mike wittmer on October 14, 2011 at 2:25 pm
What a creative use of the Internet, Joe! You’re right–most anything can be used for good, and I’m glad you are using the Web that way.
daisymarygoldr on October 14, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Spending time on the Internet helps us minister to others as pointed out by Joe Hill. We can share the gospel, our personal faith, testimonies, and scriptures to guide the young or encourage the home-bound.
However, overuse of internet can result in pseudo-interpersonal relationships that will distract us from the reality of personal relationships with family, friends and church.
If we are not careful, then online attention can lead to social isolation, loneliness associated with the risk of adverse health outcomes in terms of depression, disease and even suicide.
Christian fellowship on social networking sites is not the same as face-to-face interaction—it lacks accountability and the commitment that is required for being doers of the Word.
bearpair on October 14, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Mike, you’re right on target, hitting us where we live daily! Thanks for the sound admonition & words fo wisdom.
“Mindless surfing” has become the devil’s playground… I find that I rely heavily on Google’s advanced search function when I am looking for something, usually allowing me to quickly find what I’m looking for, get in & get out, and be done… thus usually avoiding the gutter… as long as I avoid pics & links that appear questionable. Proverbs always guides us, IF we will listen.
vogt4ashley on October 14, 2011 at 5:17 pm
I feel the same about television. If you waste your time on reality shows of people getting drunk, and sleeping around, and basically self destructing, it effects you. Whether you realize it or not, just like the internet, what you watch, and listen to effects your daily life.
Garbage in= Garbage out.
eralena on October 15, 2011 at 5:37 pm
…. when I am online. It is like having an angel on one side and the devil on the other. When all I want is to widen my connections or update myself what is going on with the world or simply surfing on useful tips. there are things will spark my curiosity. However, my curiosity leads me to some pit or quicksand which i cant help to get out.
this message reminded me to walk with JESUS even online so i’ll be guided to set my objective’s right when I surf.
thanks mike for the message and to others who shared their thoughts