Not too long ago I wrote about realizing an idol I was harboring in my heart (Read it here). I spoke about how I was getting caught up in the duties of homemaking and forgetting the things which are really important. Things such as taking extra time to sit and read books my children are begging me to sit down and read to them. To not get hung-up on how “perfect” I can make my home but instead create it to be a haven where my family resides. There can be pressure sometimes in the Proverbs 31 world, but the main thing is to stay focused on what is most important in all of it and that is Him.
My husband and I have been in prayer about several different things lately. Yesterday while talking to the Lord I asked that He show me things I am doing which might be hindering His plans. As I sat down to the computer it dawned on me, “This computer is something that I am making an idol! There are times where I would rather surf then read or pray.” Now don’t misunderstand me, I don’t surf anything that is inherently evil, usually I’m reading other blogs, or looking up recipes or occasionally I’ll watch something on netflix. Nothing that would make anyone gasp in embarrassment. However, the evil that IS happening is the fact I am placing something ABOVE spending time in the Word or prayerfully seeking God.
My husband and I realized at the beginning of our marriage that cable TV is a HUGE weakness of ours. We could literally sit for hours watching the cooking channels and the DIY networks etc etc. So we decided early on that we just weren’t going to be able to have this in our home. I’m not saying that TV is evil either, it’s the “how” and “when” of TV that is not good. We do own a television and a VCR (who has those anymore, right?), but we are very particular and limited to what we allow and watch.
Now our biggest downfall has become…wait for it…the computer. Again, I’m not suggesting that we are going to drive down I45 and throw it out the window! There can be GREAT uses for it, just like the television. I think there is a verse which deals with this perfectly.
1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up.”
This is SO true! Yes there are good things which can be accomplished on both devices, however, that doesn’t mean you should be on them 2/3 of your days.
The photo you saw at the top is what now lies over our television. The questions are quite challenging and in order to watch the TV you must lift this board up and out of the way.
I showed this to my husband when he got home and his words were, “Wow, this is challenging, but good!” My children asked what it was as well and we spent a good 20mins talking about it. Taking such a small step made a days worth of impact!
Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself, “Well, you had to get on the internet to write this post. That took time didn’t it?”
I would say, Yes! I feel in my heart the Lord (in this season of life) has led me to blog. I am however, taking precautions as to when I’m spending my time doing it. I have worked it out so that when my children are awake I am tending to them and my household. (This includes the time that daddy is home and they aren’t in bed yet). As you can guess, they’re napping as I write ;o)
My time now spent on the computer is when they’re sleeping, this doesn’t mean that I stay up into the wee hours of the morning (which has happened). I am making the most of my time and now weighing my “Hows” and “Whens” against this:
The Internet Test
The internet test is something which I can use to make sure I’m doing what I need to be doing.
The Internet Test asks 3 questions followed by applicable verse references…
1. Does this glorify God? Romans 15:6, “…so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.”
2. Have I sought God as much (or MORE) today as I have surfed the internet or sought pleasure? Exodus 20:3, “Do not have other gods besides Me.”
3. Can I do something better with my time? Ecclesiastes 10:18, “Because of laziness the roof caves in, because of negligent hands the house leaks.”
If I can ask myself those questions and answer accordingly, then I am free to get on there and do whatever it is I’m needing to get done. You know, a lot of times we struggle in life simply because in our busy and noisy worlds we don’t have His gentle reminders where we can see them (scripture). I believe that in order to expose hidden idols of the heart we must do things which force us out of our comfort zones and cause us to analyze ourselves against the truth of scripture.
My prayer is that in MY learning and growing the Lord would prick your heart to make sure that we are doing everything we can to live noble God-honoring lives for the King!
Related articles
- The unexpected idol (noblewomen4christ.org)
- Pride, Humilty & Proverbs 31 (noblewomen4christ.org)