February 25                                    Matt 8 - 11

INTERNET AND YOU

MEMORISE: ‘All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.’ (1 Cor 6:12)
READ: 1 Corinthians 6: 11- 14

There has been a major technological breakthrough with the emergence of the Internet. The world has been reduced to a global village, thereby facilitating high-level communication. This has been prophesied in Scripture: ‘But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased’ (Dan 12:4). However good the opportunities offered by the Internet may be, each user is faced with some challenges which if not carefully handled, may be to one’s detriment.

It is highly addictive. This will rob you of precious time meant for other things. It is a big time waster! Also, it has many immoral sites that, if care is not taken, can pollute your mind. Young folks can be exposed to diverse information detrimental to their minds. The reading in verse 12 says” ‘All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power to any’ The Internet may be readily available to you but not all the sites or information on it are profitable. Care has to be taken jealously to shield your heart from filth. Some may expose themselves to pornography. The temptation is worse if the computer is kept in a private place. Hence there is need to practice safe surfing.

The ability to access Christian resources and programs online has reduced the enthusiasm of some to attend church meetings regularly. After all, they argue, they now have the church in their homes. But this is a strategy of the devil to breakup your fellowship with the brethren, before striking at you to destroy you. Hebrews 10: 25 says: ‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…’ However, the Internet, if well managed, will afford you great opportunities for spiritual growth, to lead others to Christ via e-mail or websites or even through one on one discussions. Like Paul, by all means, see how you can use this medium to save some souls.

Every Christian has to define his or her relationship with the Internet, to know what to avoid and what to use so as to protect your soul. Do so today.

ACTION POINT
List the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet.
Devise methods of using it for edification and evangelism.