“Five Digital Dangers” from John Piper

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But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. — Romans 13:14

Several years back, theologian John Piper posted on his devotional blog, “Solid Joys”, a challenge to maintain purity in our technological age.  It is entitled “Five Digital Dangers.” Perhaps these are not new warnings to you, but they are a fresh summary of the dirty reality in which we live.

1) The hook of constant curiosity

Digital devices offer a never-ending possibility for discovery. Even the basic operating systems can consume hours of curious punching and experimenting. Then there are the endless apps consuming weeks of your time as they lure you into their intricacies.

All this is very deceptive, giving the illusion of power and effectiveness, but leaving you with a feeling of emptiness and nervousness at the end of the day.

Resolution: I will strictly limit my experimental time on the device and devote myself more to the truth than to technique.

Editor’s Note: I found this first warning to be convicting. Throughout the day I can catch myself thinking, “I wonder what the latest news is from Boston?”  “What is happening in Cleveland?”  “I wonder if ______ answered my email yet?” “Did ____ get any comments on their Facebook posting?” If I leave my work and go check on the “latest” it can eat up an enormous amount of time. “Constant curiosity”—yep, the temptation is real.

2) The empty world of virtual (un)reality

How sad to see brilliant, creative people pouring hours and days of their lives into creating cities and armies and adventures that have no connection with reality. We have one life to live. All our powers are given to us by the real God for the real world leading to a real heaven and real hell.

Resolution: I will spend my constructive, creative energy not in the unreality of “virtual reality” but in the reality of the real world.

Editor’s Note: Piper’s point brings to mind this Scripture: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to Your word” (Psalm 119:37).

3) “Personal” relations with a machine

Like no other invention, a computer comes closest to being like a person. You can play games with it. It will talk to you. It will always be there for you. The great danger here is that we really become comfortable with this manageable electronic “person,” and gradually drift away from the unpredictable, frustrating, sometimes painful dealings with humans persons.

Resolution: I will not replace the risk of personal relationships with impersonal electronic safety.

Editor’s Note: We can often feel alone, especially during deployment. Seeking companionship in a digital frame will leave us lacking—as Piper indicates. But Scripture reminds us that we are never alone—never: “O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (Psalm 139:1-6).

Remember—God is real, and so is your marriage. Honoring and investing in that real-life relationship is wise—and will create life-long benefits.

4) The risk of tryst

“Tryst \’trist\ noun: An agreement (as between lovers) to meet.” Sexual affairs begin in private time together, extended conversation, and the sharing of soul, which can now be done in absolute seclusion through digital devices. You can think that “it’s just nothing” — until she shows up in town.

Resolution: I will not cultivate a one-on-one relationship with a person of the opposite sex other than my spouse. If I am single I will not cultivate such a relationship with another person’s spouse.

Editor’s Note: This is a good reminder that: “ . . . a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32).  See ExcellentOrPraiseworthy.org: “Seemed Innocent Enough”

5) Porn

More insidious that X-rated videos, we can now not only watch but join the perversity in the privacy of our own den. Interactive porn will allow you to “do it” or make them “do it” virtually.

I have never seen it. Nor do I ever intend to. It kills the spirit. It drives God away. It depersonalizes women. It quenches prayer. It blanks out the Bible. It cheapens the soul. It destroys spiritual power. It defiles everything.

Resolution: I will never open any app for sexual stimulation nor purchase or download anything pornographic.

Editor’s Note:  Jesus clearly addresses this in Matthew 5:27,28:  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Is Piper’s writing food for thought for those who seek godliness?  “ . . . an upright man gives thought to his ways”  (Proverbs 21:29).

Remember, also, the Apostle Paul’s warning to stay on guard against ungodliness prompted by the enemy, Satan: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”  (I Peter 5:8).

Questions to Share:

1. Piper concludes his five warnings with five personal resolutions which apply to all of us. How would these resolutions affect a couple during deployment?

2. Pray for each other to keep the resolutions which you have made.