A lot of people are spending a lot of time online these days. We can like and share and follow and make friends with others from all over the world. The Internet has enormous potential as a tool to bring people together in all sorts of ways. Know that when you travel through cyberspace God will be with you. Listen carefully to the Holy Spirit for opportunities to share your faith and offer encouragement and fellowship to other believers. Consider all the possible ways you might be able to serve God by serving others through your online experience.
There are seemingly no limits on the Internet. You will find absolutely anything and everything lurking in the shadows of cyberspace. People may attack you for expressing your love for Jesus. People pretending to be your friend may only be looking for a way to scam you. People claiming charitable goals may actually be out to increase their own bank account. Anonymity makes it easy for crooks to pretend to be something they are not. Fear not, God will be with you. You can negotiate these waters by simply being careful and looking for respected references before trusting anyone or anything. There is no question that the devil has found many ways to use the Internet; this is why it is so important for believers to have a substantial presence there as well.
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)
“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I don’t want to overstate the dangers of the Internet; most of my experience online has been very positive. What we don’t want is to become complacent and allow those who may intend harm to catch us off guard. I have a dream that the Internet will one day be used as a resource to help people come together to solve each other’s problems. This is already happening in many respects. We can get answers to almost any question online. We can find things we need and have them shipped to our house online. We can easily connect with friends and family online. We can even visit our doctor and get mental health therapy online. Perhaps one day it will be possible to simply type in any problem you are having and instantly find a solution. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to quickly connect those in need with those who have the time, talent, and resources to help? You may have a problem right now that you’re dealing with – is it possible that somewhere in the world there is someone who has the ability to solve your problem? I’m convinced that the Internet will one day bridge the gap between those in need and those willing to serve. Until that day comes when help is just a click away, you need to rest in the knowledge that God will be with you no matter what you’re going through.
Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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