Brothers and sisters, today we’re living in an age unlike any other—a time where technology has become central to everything we do. From smartphones and social media to AI and recommender systems, our digital lives are deeply intertwined with our daily routines. But let me tell you something that you might not hear often: technology is not the mark of the beast. It is not 666. In fact, the tools we have today are simply that—tools—and how we use them can either glorify God or lead us astray.

So the question we need to ask ourselves is: As a child of God, how are you using technology?

Opening Scripture: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10

1. Technology Reflects What You Feed It

Consider this: everything you do online—what you like, post, share, comment on, and follow—shapes the content that’s fed back to you. If you’re watching unhealthy content, gossip, or lies, that’s what your timeline will be filled with. But if you’re engaging in positive, godly things, the same principle applies—your feed will reflect that.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Your online activity reflects what’s in your heart. Are you using your online presence to glorify God or to promote a false image of yourself? Most of us are guilty of taking carefully staged photos, posting only the highlight reels, and creating impressions of who we’re not. The Bible calls us to authenticity and truthfulness (John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.").

Let’s stop living fake lives online and start using these platforms to impact the world positively.

2. Use Your Smartphone to Impact a Life

We live in an era where your smartphone can reach more people in an hour than Paul reached in his entire lifetime. That’s powerful. Instead of using it for vanity or attention, why not use it to bless others? Create YouTube tutorials, share your knowledge with others. If you’re good at something—whether it’s music, cooking, or even a skill you’ve learned from your time at school or UCC Bwaise—don’t keep it to yourself.

Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

3. The Mark of the Beast Is Not AI or Technology

There’s a lot of fear going around today, especially in Christian circles, that AI or certain technological advancements are the mark of the beast. Let’s be clear: the Bible warns us about the coming of the beast, but we need wisdom before we jump to conclusions.

Revelation 13:18 says, "This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666."

Notice that it calls for wisdom. This means we need to approach the conversation with discernment. Many people are quick to point fingers at innovation and call it demonic. But before we accuse the technology of being evil, have we taken a good look at ourselves? Are we avoiding the real issues in our lives—like selfishness, lack of love, failure to tithe, neglect of the needy, gossiping about pastors, and never reading our Bibles?

We focus so much on external things that we forget the internal work God calls us to do.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Engage With the World, Just Don’t Be of It

The Bible tells us in John 17:16, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." While we live in a world that is increasingly driven by technology, we are called to be set apart. Technology is a worldly system, but that doesn’t mean we need to avoid it. Rather, we must use it wisely, always mindful that our purpose is to serve God, even in the digital age.

The church will increasingly become intertwined with technology, and in the coming decades, you won’t be able to separate the two. But the key is not to be afraid—it’s to remain rooted in God’s Word. Use tech to build the kingdom, share the gospel, and connect with others in ways that honor God.

5. Consistency and Persistence as a Born-Again Youth

Finally, brothers and sisters, if we are to make an impact with technology, we need consistency and persistence in our lives as believers. You can’t post one Bible verse today and then live in contradiction tomorrow. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds influence.

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

When you use technology to spread positive, God-honoring content, don’t expect instant results. Just as farming takes time, so does sowing seeds online. But God sees your efforts, and He will bring a harvest if you stay the course.

Conclusion:

Technology is not the enemy, and it’s certainly not the mark of the beast. What matters is how we use it. As youth, we have an incredible opportunity to be lights in this digital world. Let’s use our phones, our apps, and our platforms to glorify God, build others up, and spread the truth. Remember, the real danger comes when we lose sight of God and the call He has on our lives.

So, as we go online this week, let’s commit to using our devices with wisdom and purpose, knowing that in everything we do, we are called to honor the Lord.

Closing Scripture: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31