A Day-by-day devotional

May 22, 2023

Red light

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 23-27

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 4:6-7

The flow of traffic is maintained and controlled by traffic lights. As children, we learned early on not to cross on a red light and that green means we can go.

With social media and improvements in computer technology, the flow of information seems like a continuous green light. The amount of data we acquire from the internet daily is massive. Our old school bibles, traditional commentaries such as Matthew Henry’s, and concordances, as well as regular, in-presence church services have been replaced by phone bibles, search engines, and online videos. There is no stopping the internet from disseminating information.

In a way, it is a helpful platform to communicate the gospel. Many areas of the world which was once challenging to reach are now reachable with one click. Nonetheless, just like in the old days where heretical and false teachings abound, the same dangers lurk in today’s society as the humongous amount of information is being transmitted and disseminated worldwide.

Our generation has learned to devour videos available online for our theology. We follow our favorite celebrity preachers and depend avidly on what they teach. Oftentimes, we hardly even ever countercheck facts in our own physical, hard copy of the bible (Psalm 119:105). The problem though is that due to the seemingly unstoppable flow of information traffic, the light appears green all the time. Our discernment becomes flawed by the overwhelming amount of mass and social media we consume. We no longer recognize the red light when it appears. We now have a difficult time perceiving the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Without being altogether ungrateful to technological advancements and the internet, our spiritual filters should always be up and on the lookout for red lights. This only becomes doable if we either create a balance to the use of social media for our spiritual growth and traditional bible study habits using our own bible, guided by a lot of prayer for the Holy Spirit’s help; or we opt for reducing the former and increasing the use of the latter.

Above all, we should exercise wisdom and humility in our approach of deepening our biblical knowledge. We should practice discernment which is made available to us by God’s Spirit.

Reflection: How much social media do you consume and how dependent are you on it for your study of the Word? A little help is wise, but total dependence is dangerous. The bible should still be our primary source.

Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, please give me the spiritual discernment to be able to recognize flashing red lights whenever I study the Word. Thank you for your continued guidance. Amen.