Stewardship & Technology
May 11, 2014
Church of Christ at Earleyville
I Corinthians 4:1-5
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Consider our duty
How does technology fit in?
Social media- Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, etc
Considering the great commission shouldn’t we use all the tools at our disposal?
Be in control
Should we protect ourselves?
How?
OpenDNS
TV Guardian
Privacy settings
Awareness
Control your exposure
TV Guardian and like technology can help block/filter the media you allow in your home
Other options include Clearplay, TVSafe, & Family Safe
Control your exposure
Consider the internet, the tool we are discussing, as being similar to a city. There are good areas and bad areas. Consider Baltimore. We should use caution and treat it accordingly. We need to stay aware and alert.
Control your exposure
Check your settings on all social media
Do you control what’s posted under your wall?
Do you control who can see what you put up? Keep in mind private versus public (and never forget that these companies can change their policies at the drop of a hat so stay alert!)
As parents, are we monitoring our children? Do we check their walls, their feeds? Do we keep track of their friends and where they are going?
Control your exposure
Consider an option like OpenDNS
They have paid and free options
I use the free OpenDNS Family Shield
Family Shield does the following:
Blocks adult websites (including mail spam pictures)
Built-in anti-fraud & phishing protection
May make your connections faster
OpenDNS
Go to OpenDNS.org
Choose Web Filtering
Choose Home
Choose OpenDNS Family Shield
Then follow the instructions provided!
Use the tool!
Like most tools, some will be better than others at using a tool. Some people are good with power tools, and can help repair storm damage. Some men are good speakers and make good Gospel preachers. Other people are good with computers and social media and can use that to help share the Gospel. If you have the ability, shouldn’t you use it?
What can we do?
VBS promotion
Lesson mentions- Johnny posts what’s going to be preached a month in advance; if you see a topic that might be on point for another discussion you are having, you can mention his lesson. Maybe they will visit or request a CD!
Gospel meeting promotions
Look for opportunities!
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen