Teen Tuesday: Technology Challenge

Written by Bro. Andrew Tewell

I want to challenge you!  I know, I know, we don't like being challenged.  Just the word “challenge” itself makes many of us cringe, because it means work and effort.  It's something that will cause us to live life differently and it won't be easy.  Here's the challenge.... I want to challenge you to make a pledge to your pastor, youth pastor, parents, yourself, and most importantly to God that you will use technology responsibly.  When I was a youth pastor, I used to hear all the time how teens just wanted to be treated like an adult by their parents. Well, here is an opportunity for you to take some adult responsibility for your actions.  Here is the challenge,

Because I respect my authorities’ wisdom and loving care to protect me from any harm the internet and technology might cause, I promise to do the following:

1.      I agree to be open about my use of the internet/technology with my authority.  I will be transparent in my use so that they can come to trust me completely.

2.      My parents and I will regularly view my use of the internet and I will respect their wisdom and cautions they may give to me.

3.      Together, we will establish rules about when and how I can use the internet.  I agree to abide by whatever time limits and restrictions they put in place, understanding these are privileges that they are granting me.

4.      I will NEVER use any other computer or device to access the internet (such as a friend’s phone) without keeping them informed.

5.      I will never use the internet inappropriately such as to "bully" or threaten anyone.

6.      I will never begin speaking with someone over the internet that my parents are not aware of. I will also never meet anyone that I have met over the internet.

7.      Because internet pornography addiction is now rampant, I will never access or download any pictures or information of a sexual nature that my parents and God would disapprove of.

8.      I will never send or receive inappropriate pictures from anyone.

9.      When I am worshipping at church I will not text, surf the internet, or play games on my device.

10.  I will try my best to show my parents that I can be a responsible user of the internet so they can be proud of me for being responsible.

So, what do you say?  Are you up for the challenge?  Just think, if all the time that we spent on technology was spent on our relationship with Christ.  Do you think we would be a better Christian?  Take the challenge and don't give in to temptation.