Our actions, decisions and thoughts should not be driven by the digital world but by God and his Word. Here’s how our minds are renewed.
by rev Ruan Steyn
South Africans spend about five hours a day on their phones and social media. Research has shown the negative impact this has on people. To name just a few examples:
- Social media creates unrealistic expectations of life, which can lead to low self-esteem.
- Users may fall victim to cyberbullying, which affects them emotionally.
- Relationships suffer, as quality time is replaced with digital distractions.
- Long-term overuse has been linked to mental health risks such as depression and anxiety.
One of the greatest dangers is that people’s ideas and thinking are shaped by social media and the digital world. Even Christians can fall into this trap.
Be careful of the world’s influence
The Bible warns us that the thinking of unbelievers leads nowhere:
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
Ephesians 4:18
Paul also describes them as people “who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). Our enemy uses the digital world to change the way we think, shaping our views on moral and ethical issues.
Be different from the world
God calls his children not to be shaped by the world. Paul writes in Romans 12:2:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
- The word transformed points to something we see in nature: a worm changing into a butterfly. It’s a complete metamorphosis, a radical inner change. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, shaping us daily into the image of Christ.
- The word mind refers to more than just thoughts. It covers our intellect, will and moral discernment—the whole seat of our understanding.
God changes our minds by the Spirit, but we also have a responsibility. We cannot expect renewal if we keep feeding on the “junk food” of the digital world.
How can our minds be renewed?
First, we must pray and ask God to renew our thinking. Prayer is the oxygen of our faith. Second, we must spend as much time as possible in God’s Word. As the psalmist says: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
People often say they don’t have time to study the Bible daily. When we spend less time online, we have more time for Scripture. Reading, studying, memorising and meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 1) strengthens us against worldly influence.
Use the digital world wisely
The digital world is not only harmful; it can also be used for good, to glorify God and build his church and kingdom. But in everything we do, we must ask: What is God’s will?
Our actions, decisions and thoughts must be shaped not by the digital world, but by God and his Word. Through the Holy Spirit, this renewal is possible every day.
