By Pike Davis, Jr.

This past sunday Pastor Jerry preached on Ephesians 5:15-21–emphasizing that technology can and should be used for good. We know that technology can be used for evil, but technology can also be a tool used for the good of “one another”. There are many “one another” commands throughout the New Testament, although I will only explain a few and help us apply those to the technology we use today.

Galatians 6:2 says “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The law of Christ is love. This leads us back to Galatians 5:13-14, “For you were called to freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.” The “one another” commands ultimately have an overarching purpose–the fulfillment of the law through love. Paul says not to use our freedom that we have through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection as a license to sin. Instead use that freedom to love and serve one another. James 5:16 says “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,”. Out of this we get two “one another” commands, to pray for one another, and confess sins to one another. This confessing of sins leads us to Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another”. In praying for one another and confessing our  sins to one another, we must put away our own falsehood and speak truth to one another.

So how does this inform how we can use technology for the good of others?

  1. Galatians 6:2 You can bear one another’s burdens by encouraging one another when facing the storms or pressures of life. This means that an encouraging text, call, direct message (for social media), tag/post, or maybe even a picture is appropriate. If it is a specific sin which is being a burden, on the Bible app which, can be downloaded on the app store or the google play store, a Bible study could be appropriate in order to bear a burden with someone else.
  2. Galatians 5:13-14 Serve one another in love. This could be put in a blog, it could be on a Facebook post, it could be sent through a text message, or even a direct message. We can also build each other up. The Bible app is a great way to build each other up, sharing scripture verses and plans/devos. We can build one another up even through thanking and appreciating someone. This can be done through a quick call or text.
  3. James 5:16  Pray and confess sins to one another: You can send prayer requests to someone you want to ask to pray for you. This can be done by text, direct message, calling, publicly through a post on any social media, an email, or any other way of communicating using technology. 
  4. Ephesians 4:25  Speak truth to one another: confronting sin, in love and with grace by text, call, or direct messaging. We must be careful when doing this though, because sometimes the love and expression of grace can be lost with the text message. Also in speaking truth, we can share scripture and simply encourage someone with the truth.

So what are you waiting for?!? Do it now!