Reset and Recenter: A Christian's Guide to Faith and Technologyಮಾದರಿ

Giving Up Self-Sufficiency

Technology allows us to be more self-sufficient than ever. Why bother a family member, friend, neighbor, or pastor when we could ask one of our devices? It’s faster, it doesn’t inconvenience anyone, and it takes away the risk of judgment.

Prioritizing relationships with other people has always been a challenge. Sure, modern inventions like TikTok and Netflix don’t make connection any easier. But according to the author of Hebrews, people struggled with encouraging one another and meeting up regularly 2,000 years ago, too.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another …Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

As we established yesterday, we were designed to be together. We need to be in each other’s lives, supporting, encouraging, and caring for one another. Although there are ways technology can help us connect with others, sometimes it can be tempting to try to use it to actually replace the relationships we need.

When we make a habit of choosing comfortable, easy solutions, it comes with a cost. We find ourselves increasingly alone, even when we’re around other people.

So what’s the solution? Well, relationships are built on trust, and we can’t develop trust unless we rely on other people.

Journal and Reflect

• How have you used technology to be more self-sufficient?
• How has self-sufficiency impacted your relationships with other people?
• Think about the last time you felt seen and cared for by someone else. What were some defining elements of that interaction?

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of relationships. Lord, I want to connect with You and others well. Self-sufficiency can be easy and convenient, but what I really want is real, rich connection with You and those around me. Show me how to be Your light—sharing Your good name with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.