From here on in this course, I’m going to assume that you are here because you sense that you are addicted to media, or are using it wrongly, and are wondering what to do about it, or how to fix it.
I also am going to assume that you do not want to merely stop using media. I know some people take this approach, but for others it isn’t a realistic option. The Bible tells us that as Christians we can “use the things of the world as if not engrossed in them” (1 Corinthians 7:31 NIV). In another translation it says, "Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them.” (1 Corinthians 7:31 NLT) In other words, we are able to use media properly and not be addicted to it. Plus, in this modern era where we need the internet to submit resumes and job applications, do banking, communicate with family, or even do our jobs, removing it entirely is impractical.
So what can we do if we find that we’re engrossed in media, or that we’re somehow using it inappropriately?
Well, the answer is not to just turn away from media and stop using it (though it is certainly good to take breaks from time to time). If we simply did that we’d find that we had a real emptiness, a void in our lives that used to be filled by media.
The answer, rather, is to replace it with something better. If we’re using media to fill a void, to find acceptance in some way, or to find excitement and get a thrill, then we need to find something that actually does fill our emptiness, gives us real acceptance, and provides true excitement. In other words, we need to exchange the false and fake for the real and true.
How do we do that? Well, that’s what this course is about, and as you continue on I think the answer will become very clear. It has to do with the Gospel, which means “good news,” that God has given us, and we’ll see it many times throughout this course.
We’ll see how the Gospel was designed by God to fill our emptiness, give us love and acceptance, provide thrills and anticipation and excitement, and meet our needs in the way that media is not designed to do.
Question 4. But for now, do you remember from the previous lesson what the writer in Psalm 16:11 found? (You can run your mouse over the word ‘Psalm 16:11’ and it will pop up so you can read it again). Please write it here:
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