This article describes how to live in a way that uniquely demonstrates the gospel. This article expands on the idea first presented in Gospel-Worthy Walking.

It goes without saying—technology is everywhere we turn.

We have unprecedented access to information, analytics, entertainment, communication, and consumer products. We can order groceries on our drive back from vacation and have them delivered minutes after we return. We can instantly and seamlessly connect with friends and family worldwide. We have thousands of books, sermons, and podcasts at our fingertips at all times. If we want to find a piece of information, we can locate it nearly instantaneously.

And yet—

We are often regarded as the most relationally disconnected, discontent, distracted, and anxious generation the world has ever seen.

It all feels almost inescapable, and for many, technology has become a dominating force in their lives. We quickly lose track of hours while doom-scrolling. In the name of rest, we binge show after show. We set aside our Bibles in the morning in favor of catching up on social media. We disengage from those around us and isolate ourselves. Our minds wander, and our brains crave the next hit of dopamine. We feel tired, overstimulated, over-informed, and anxious. The reality is that many of us find ourselves in bondage to a socially acceptable addiction.

And even darker still—for some, technology becomes a source of deep temptation and shame, as access to and engagement with pornography is at an all-time high.

I think many of us would admit that the pervasiveness of personal and handheld technology has moved it from a tool to be mastered and used for good to a burden and a weight we can’t seem to get out from under. Even secular authors, social psychologists, and doctors agree regarding the drawbacks and dangers of early and regular access to personal technology and social media.

If we as adults understand this struggle in our own lives, how much more should that inform the importance of the decisions we make for our children regarding technology?

What does God’s Word say about how we are to lead our children and families in wisdom, in a way that honors Him above all else?

This may be a little different than normal, but I want this article to be more reflective for you as a parent or guardian. So, I’ll be asking a lot of questions—not to give you all the answers, but to help you process how to use God’s Word as your guide.

How do we set up boundaries in our homes that are truly honoring to the Lord?

How do we establish guardrails that actually set our kids up for success, rather than placing temptation in their laps?

How do we create rhythms and habits that promote family closeness and growth in the knowledge of the Lord?

God’s Word actually has a lot to say on this subject—maybe more than you’d expect. No, Jesus doesn’t talk specifically about smartphones, video games, or streaming platforms. But Scripture absolutely speaks to how we use our time, where our focus should be, what our purpose is, and what His will is for our lives.

With that in mind, I invite you to slowly consider each of the following passages. Reflect honestly on your own heart as a parent. Then ask: Do the boundaries in our home around technology reflect the will of God for our family? In order to get practical in addressing this topic, here are seven scripture references and seven questions you can ask yourself to apply God’s Word to your life.

“Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Question 1: Is the technology your children are using shaping their minds according to God’s truth—or conforming them to the patterns of the world?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise—think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Question 2: Is the content your children are consuming through screens encouraging them to think about what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy—or pulling their minds toward things that numb their spirit?

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15–17).

Question 3: Are your children learning to steward their time with wisdom—or is technology teaching them to waste time rather than redeem it?

“And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43).

Question 4: Are you willing to help your children make hard, even drastic, changes to their tech habits if it means protecting their hearts and helping them walk more closely with Jesus?

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Question 5: Are your kids in control of their technology—or is it controlling them?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).

Question 6: Is your child’s interaction with technology helping nurture the fruit of the Spirit—or is it undermining those qualities?

”...that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding...” (Colossians 1:9).

Question 7: Are your children being filled with the knowledge of God’s will through the voices and influences they hear online—or are they being shaped by the spirit of the age?

One of the overarching questions we need to ask as we intentionally set ground rules for technology in our homes is this: Does the use of technology in our home foster closeness as a family, deepen our knowledge of the Lord, and promote holiness and godly character?

We often say that the world is discipling our children faster than we can—but rarely do we pause to ask how it’s doing that. And even more rarely do we put a plan in place to ensure that it isn’t. Why? If we’re honest, it’s because it feels disingenuous. We know we’re addicted to our phones. We know we often rely on entertainment for rest and comfort. And yet, we turn to our children and expect them to resist the very habits we ourselves are unwilling to give up.

Maybe we’re afraid to go backwards. Maybe you’ve already made certain decisions in your home, and the thought of changing course feels disruptive or even hypocritical. But if God is stirring something in you, don’t ignore it.

Maybe you actually like the fact that technology keeps your kids occupied, like a built-in babysitter, a source of entertainment that keeps them “happy” and disconnected, so you’re free to do what you want without disturbance.

Parents: Revisit the Scriptures above, and ask yourself the same questions you’d ask your kids. Begin by leading by example. Set a foundation rooted in godly wisdom in how you personally engage with technology.

Whatever your reason for hesitation in setting stronger boundaries around technology, here’s the challenge and encouragement: Christian families are not called to blend in or simply “do better” than our non-Christian neighbors and friends. We are called to be different—a city set on a hill, ambassadors of another kingdom, a chosen people, a royal priesthood, citizens of a heavenly country bought with a price.

Our homes should look different. Our rhythms should feel different. Our values should stand out. We don’t exist to fit in. Our aim is not primarily to be socially well-adjusted or to avoid being “weird” or “out of touch.” Our aim is faithfulness.

Our purpose in all things is to honor and glorify Christ and to grow in our knowledge and love for him—with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to pursue that together, as a family.

My prayer for our church and its parents would be for boldness in the leadership of our homes knowing that you serve a great and loving God who is for you and the flourishing of your family. That we would be purposeful and excited about the discipleship of our kids and that we wouldn't be informed by the prevailing thoughts of our day by the Word of God which is where real life is found.