Gadgets enable us to do things that we would otherwise be unable to do. However, in the fast-paced and ever-growing world of technology, more and more gadgets with additional functions and specifications pop up almost every month, and are adding to the cravings of our hands and eyes. Yes, with the growth in technology comes a growth in our desire to have them. For a price.
Make the best choice
Friends, are you thinking of getting that new smartphone, laptop, camera or computer? I'm not here to stop you. In fact, I'm here to help you make the best choice. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
Here are some things a Christian should consider when buying new gadgets.
1. Why do I want to buy it?
Ask yourself that question. If the answer is "to keep up with what's in," then realise that it will be just a waste of your (or your parents') hard-earned money.
Technology evolves pretty quickly. What's cutting-edge in 2014 is already old and outdated in 2016. Think about it. If you spend a huge amount on what you think is cool right now, just so that "you'd be cool," you won't be cool anymore after a short while.
Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 warns us, "No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new."
2. Is it a need?
Ask yourself that. If you said "no," then choose instead to save your money on what really matters. When we carelessly burden ourselves with worldly and material things, we end up falling in slavery to useless pursuits such as having gadgets that aren't really necessary for us to live a godly life.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 tells us, "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content."
3. Can I use it to glorify God?
Ask yourself that question. If that idea hasn't even popped up in your head all the time you were contemplating on buying that gadget, chances are you won't even know how to use it to glorify God. If you've asked yourself and honestly said "no," then don't buy it. The Bible tells us that "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (see 1 Corinthians 10:31).
