Spiritual Hazards I Should Watch Out For

1. I can waste my precious time.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) Only a fool idles away his time. Proverbs 12:11 (TLB)

2. I can be seduced by the world’s value.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2a (NLT)

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.

These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:15-16 (NLT)

Don’t you know that making friends with this corrupt world order is open aggression toward God? So anyone who aligns with this bogus world system is declaring war against the one true God. James 4:4 (VOICE)

3. I can be drawn into unproductive arguments.

Listen, don’t get trapped in brainless debates; avoid competition over family trees or pedigrees; stay away from fights and disagreements over the law. They are a waste of your time. Titus 3:9 (VOICE)

Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive. Proverbs 26:21 (GNT)

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Proverbs 26:4 (NLT) I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. Matthew 12:36 (HCSB)

4. I can be tempted to “filter” my life and show off.

“Everything they do is for show…” Matthew 23:5a (NLT)

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 (NLT)

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. 1 Peter 5:6 (MSG)

5. I can get addicted to the approval of others.

Does this sound as if I am trying to win human approval? No indeed! What I want is God’s approval! Am I trying to be popular with people? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (GNT)

6. I can be distracted from what’s most important.

Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. 40 But Martha became exasperated with finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” 41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? 42 Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.” Luke 10:39-42 (TPT)

How can I use my technology for God’s Glory?

1. USE IT TO EXPRESS MY WORSHIP.

“…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23 (NLT) “All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5b (NLT) Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income… Proverbs 3:9a (TLB)

2. USE IT TO ENCOURAGE FELLOWSHIP.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT) So encourage each other and give each other strength… 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NCV)

3. USE IT TO ENHANCE MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (TLB)

4. USE IT TO EXPAND MY MINISTRY.

Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:2 (MSG) So I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute. 1 Timothy 2:8 (NET)

5. USE IT TO EXPAND MY KINGDOM.

Publish God’s glorious deeds among every nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does! 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NLT) God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news. Ephesians 3:7 (CEV)