Technology is a blessing and a curse.
Just like all inventions, technology has the capability to impact people’s lives for good and for evil. And while the pros of technology are endless, it’s hard to ignore the drawbacks that phones, computers, and social media present. Cyberbullying and internet stalking are just two of the hazards that can come from technology, yet many of the dangers are far more subtle and even more devastating.
But one of the biggest drawbacks is how technology can draw attention away from God. Christians can tell themselves that it’s ok to scroll through social media a little longer, God will still be there when they’re done. It’s okay to read this article or go to this website that probably isn’t the safest or Christian-like place view. Teens get exposed to topics that are too mature for them. They get anonymous hate and begin to think that their haters could be right.
Technology builds up false images, leaving teens feeling like they will never be good enough, that God will get tired of how beaten down they are and he’ll leave them, moving on to someone more whole. Technology can destroy a teen’s life, demolishing the bricks of their life.
But there is hope. Even though bricks can be torn down, a foundation of stone cannot be shaken. Matthew 7:24 says “‘Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.’” And though technology can tear down bricks, it can also strengthen foundations.
Enter projects like Groundwork.
Groundwork is an online program for radio and podcast that uses technology to preach the word of God. Through half-hour weekly audio talks, pasters Scott Hoezee and Darrell Delaney dig into the Scriptures and explain how the stories and promises contained within God’s word can help build a Christian’s Christ-centered foundation.
Using casual conversation and hilarious metaphors, the two pastors unpack the Bible piece-by-piece, helping to explain how each concept can be applied to our lives with insight for troubled today’s world.
With series like Ephesians and Christmas Hope and the Women in Jesus’ Family Tree, Groundwork builds hope, reminding Christians that God never used perfect people to fulfill his purpose and that he came to save the most broken sinners, “Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.’” (Mark 2:17)
Each episode of Groundwork is designed to give answers to questions that some Christians are afraid to ask, or just skim over completely. Scott Hoezee and Darrell Delaney talk about the Incarnation, how to live faithfully in an unfaithful culture, and even how Christians can know the trustworthiness of the Bible.
The best part? All of the truth that the pastors speak is online. They’re using technology to bring people closer to Jesus. Teenagers can listen to the truth of God’s word, helping to combat the lies that social media presents.
Technology can be a curse, but it can also be a blessing. It can build our faith and connect curious Christians with answers. It just depends on how it’s used.
Sources:
New International Reader’s Version Holy Bible
https://groundworkonline.com/
Photo Credit:
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