Written By: John Grant, Mentor @ Idlewild Baptist Church
John Grant is a Strong27™ mentor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, FL. John was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1980-1986 and was a Senator in the Florida State Senate from 1986-2000. He was also an attorney and partner of Harris, Barrett, Mann & Dew, P.A. in St. Petersburg, FL.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13
If you can’t go for an hour without checking your email…if you email and text during church…if you panic when there is no internet connection or wifi capabilities…then you might have internet addiction. The internet has become a part of our modern day life. We use it to get our news and communicate with others. It is our all-time companion.
Internet Addiction Disorder is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior, which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. Internet addiction has been called internet dependency and internet compulsivity. Has it become your idol?
Don’t get me wrong. There is much good about the internet. I use it as my Bible and devotional. I use it for my business livelihood. I try not to let it grab hold of me. In fact, you are probably reading this online, however, the internet can also be filled with darkness and distractions. I’ve seen it pull men away from the abundant life we are offered through Jesus.
We have to use the internet with reasonable wisdom. We have to disconnect and make sure that the internet is not becoming our idol.
Is you phone bill greater than your tithe? Do you check social media or email during worship services? Do you spend more time scrolling on your phone than you do with Jesus?
If you spend more time on the internet than you do with Jesus, then you have internet addiction. Don’t let the internet become your God.