Tools not Toys: The Gift of Technology and the Glory of God

In C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Father Christmas arrives bearing gifts for the Pevensie children, but he cautions them that they are "tools, not toys." This is probably a good reminder, especially since Peter received a sword - one he would later use to kill an evil wolf. Several years ago, I made this same connection between Father Christmas's words with technology. Over the past few years, much ink has been spilled discussing technology addiction and the dangers of too much screen time to the expense of our lives here and now. I, too, have fallen prey to the dangers here. I think many of us have.
This morning, John Piper's podcast Ask Pastor John addresses the question of how John Piper uses technology - iPhone, iPad, laptop, social media, etc. As a huge Piper fan, I always love hearing him weigh in on things, especially as he shares from his seasoned perspective. Piper breaks it down in the following ways:

1. Bible
2. Prayer
3. Reading for spiritual and intellectual growth and enrichment
4. Listening for both entertainment and enrichment
5. Awareness of what is happening in the world in culture and evangelicalism
6. Relationships with family

I would encourage you to listen to or read the transcript here, but there is one part that really struck me from what Piper said. As Piper reflects on the technology before him, he says:

But maybe in closing I should say I regard my computer that sits here in front of me on my desk and my iPad and my iPhone as an incredible gift from God. I mean I could almost come to tears over how precious they are to me.

It would be easy to see the overuse and misuse of technology and leap to the conclusion that all technology is bad. But Piper reminds us taht this extreme is not helpful. We should utilize technology that God has given us, It is a precious gift and can be used as we seek to bring glory to God as we love him and love others. I am still trying to figure out the balance between use and overuse for me. There is no "one size fits all" rule to follow; we must each seek to live with and use our tech for God's utmost glory in our own way. But let us not reject this gift from God; let us embrace and wrestle with it to find how to maximize its potential for good in our lives.

To Ponder

1. How do you use technology to glorify God?
2. How can you better use technology for the glory of God and service of his kingdom?