I think it’s all about you and what you personally do on line. The internet can’t reach out and pull me into anything. I know my Master’s voice and I’m heaven-bent on following it.
I think it’s all about you and what you personally do on line. The internet can’t reach out and pull me into anything. I know my Master’s voice and I’m heaven-bent on following it.
You are made of stern stuff, WS. I know that for me, I can end up wasting too much precious time perseverating on things over which I have absolutely no control. Twitter too often becomes a "near occasion of sin" for me tempting me to indulge in my anger. My husband gave up all internet for Lent and hasn't gone back (and he was already quite limited in his use getting most of his news from The Babylon Bee :)). All I know is I was happier and more productive before I began consuming events through Twitter. I honestly can't point to any person in my life who uses social media or the internet in ways that aren't problematic (I particularly reset the ways my children are affected and we held out long past most in even giving them access - but once granted, it is like a black hole).
I have said so many times, I am so glad I’m not having to raise my children in this age of social media.
For my grandchildren, they did not and will not get cell phones until they’re in high school. None of this 10 year old with a phone stuff. They all try ‘all my friends have a phone’ and ‘what if I have an emergency?’ Well, if all your friends have phones and there’s an emergency ask to borrow one.
Mostly they’ve had to get jobs and buy their own.
I know that’s tough, but you’re the boss. You make the rules. If you want to take possession of the phones from say 10:00 p.m. till 7:00 a,m. do it.
All true, WS. In our house we did not give cell phones to kids until they were 16. With kid #5 he was literally the only student in his grade without a cell phone (other students were going to chip in an buy him a phone). Plus, we have pretty strict control over his use but even when it is in his possession, it is total immersion. And, sad to say, my older kids who are in their twenties, aren't much better. It takes enormous self-discipline the likes of which I don't think many people possess.
I agree, but it can be a greater or lesser struggle depending on the person. I find it easy to dive into reading or watching stuff and lose track of time, and it's taken me quite a while to build discipline over it (and still not perfect!). I know others who can't resist arguing all night when "someone is wrong on the internet"; and of course, knowing that p*rn can be found easily is a temptation for some too... or instant gratification of online shopping.
On the other hand, I find a lot of positives out of it, educationally for example - lots of great videos explaining technology, theology, economics etc - or in connecting with like-minded people such as here on C&C. So as I said, I agree, but as with all things in life it's a matter for wisdom and self-control.
I know. I’m well into senior hood and hope I’m older and wiser. The things of this world don’t matter to me that much anymore. When I was younger, I made many bad choices.
And I’m so glad I’m not raising kids now. It was hard enough back in the day.
But I know this to be true from personal experience:
Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
I have stories about a faithful God, who has the answer to everything.
I think it’s all about you and what you personally do on line. The internet can’t reach out and pull me into anything. I know my Master’s voice and I’m heaven-bent on following it.
You are made of stern stuff, WS. I know that for me, I can end up wasting too much precious time perseverating on things over which I have absolutely no control. Twitter too often becomes a "near occasion of sin" for me tempting me to indulge in my anger. My husband gave up all internet for Lent and hasn't gone back (and he was already quite limited in his use getting most of his news from The Babylon Bee :)). All I know is I was happier and more productive before I began consuming events through Twitter. I honestly can't point to any person in my life who uses social media or the internet in ways that aren't problematic (I particularly reset the ways my children are affected and we held out long past most in even giving them access - but once granted, it is like a black hole).
I have said so many times, I am so glad I’m not having to raise my children in this age of social media.
For my grandchildren, they did not and will not get cell phones until they’re in high school. None of this 10 year old with a phone stuff. They all try ‘all my friends have a phone’ and ‘what if I have an emergency?’ Well, if all your friends have phones and there’s an emergency ask to borrow one.
Mostly they’ve had to get jobs and buy their own.
I know that’s tough, but you’re the boss. You make the rules. If you want to take possession of the phones from say 10:00 p.m. till 7:00 a,m. do it.
All true, WS. In our house we did not give cell phones to kids until they were 16. With kid #5 he was literally the only student in his grade without a cell phone (other students were going to chip in an buy him a phone). Plus, we have pretty strict control over his use but even when it is in his possession, it is total immersion. And, sad to say, my older kids who are in their twenties, aren't much better. It takes enormous self-discipline the likes of which I don't think many people possess.
I agree, but it can be a greater or lesser struggle depending on the person. I find it easy to dive into reading or watching stuff and lose track of time, and it's taken me quite a while to build discipline over it (and still not perfect!). I know others who can't resist arguing all night when "someone is wrong on the internet"; and of course, knowing that p*rn can be found easily is a temptation for some too... or instant gratification of online shopping.
On the other hand, I find a lot of positives out of it, educationally for example - lots of great videos explaining technology, theology, economics etc - or in connecting with like-minded people such as here on C&C. So as I said, I agree, but as with all things in life it's a matter for wisdom and self-control.
I know. I’m well into senior hood and hope I’m older and wiser. The things of this world don’t matter to me that much anymore. When I was younger, I made many bad choices.
And I’m so glad I’m not raising kids now. It was hard enough back in the day.
But I know this to be true from personal experience:
Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
I have stories about a faithful God, who has the answer to everything.