Digital footprint. A phrase that describes an ever-present reality didn’t even exist until recently. At the school where I teach, one of our technology leaders challenged us to consider whether our students grasped the permanency of where they go and what they do online. As she spoke, my mind pondered this question: If my digital footprint were a trail to follow, where would it lead others?
Technology can save time, transform communities, and even help cure diseases. But like any human invention, it’s also a tool subject to the heart of the user, and its use can open up not only a world of information but a world of temptation.
No matter its offerings, all of the world’s technology can’t match what believers in Jesus have received because of His sacrifice: “everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). Sexual temptation isn’t the only pitfall for our digital footprint to flee. Gossip, false identity, bitterness, financial dishonesty, and a multitude of other sins can flourish behind the anonymity offered by a screen and a keyboard. Today’s text reminds us that we can resist the temptations we face, digital or otherwise, only by God’s “divine power” (2 Peter 1:3)—not by trying to adhere to a list of prohibited behaviors in our own limited strength.
People who live by the promises of Jesus strive to align their character and behavior with their faith (2 Peter 1:5-7). They don’t only hope for moral excellence; they “work hard” and are willing to sacrifice their own desires in order to live unreservedly for Christ (2 Peter 1:10).
Motivated by love, may we listen, and then obey by the power of the Holy Spirit one day at a time, one step at a time.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jonah 3:1–4:11
More:
Read Psalm 1:1-6 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any places where your daily choices need to be more radically influenced by your love for Jesus.
Next:
If others were to see your digital footprint, where would the trail lead them? How can accountability with someone you trust help ensure that the legacy you leave honors Jesus?
Gary Shultz on June 4, 2017 at 6:55 am
Hi Regina: Yes, the foot print, even if we figured out a way to clean up a foot print, one still lives with the judge and discriminator of all hearts and minds. If anyone is a believer, God will be against that behavior, and He will set about to eradicate you from that, pulling His child away from danger and sin. I must say, I was also intrigued with the tie between ODB and your passage. And speaking of that, God also follows good patterns with His blessing and peace. Nothing on the hard drive, but a life’s trail that always points back to the Father. Many if not most women (not a gig just we’re different) do not have a clue of how compelling the dark side of the internet is to a man. As you indicate, accountability is a voluntary submission that few will engage in; however, it is a great help and guide to strengthen the soul. For those that can not find such commitment from a person, God already stands willing to help, draw close. Thanks Regina.
Regina Franklin on June 15, 2017 at 2:19 pm
Hi Gary–my apologies for my very late response. Your description–that the internet has a “dark side”–is very appropriate. I would probably agree with you that men, being traditionally identified as more visual, face a fierce battle. Sadly, the temptations the internet offers to women (pornography, online adulterous relationships, comparison, jealousy) continue grow in proportion. You are also correct in saying that accountability is limited to those willing to choose it. My prayer is that the church will continue to burn the idol of image on the altar of holiness–that people will no longer fear the opinions of others because they are so radically hungry for Jesus.