Benescke Janse van Rensburg

The State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP) in China on Tuesday announced new rules for online video gaming for children in the country. No child under 18 is allowed to play video games between 22:00 and 08:00. Also weekday playtime is limited to 90 minutes a day and weekends and holidays to 3 hours per day. This is part of the country's strategy to curb digital addiction among young people.

Have you ever noticed how the current digital era has changed the world we are living in? Instead of sitting and chatting to the person next to you in the waiting room, we will rather take out our cell phone to scroll through social media or google a subject of interest. Even in restaurants you find two people sitting opposite each other, but both will be on their cell phones.

I can't help but wonder what effect limiting screen time will have on our families, marriages and even communities. Will we suddenly have more time for each other? Will we stop comparing ourselves with others if we have limited time on social media? Will we listen to each other more intently? Will we perhaps even be able to hear God's voice more clearly? As good as technology can be for us, it can also rob us of special momentswith our loved ones if we don't put boundaries in place. 

In Leviticus 19: 4 we read: "Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God." Also in Deuteronomy 5: 8-9 it is written: "You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God . . ."

When is something an idol in our lives? When it becomes more important to us than God. It can be our luxuries, outward beauty, our children, grandchildren, spouse, work, food, a hobby or even our cell phones.

Let us ask God to reveal to us if there is any "idols" in our lives. And let's take action and put boundaries in place. After all, it is only a relationship with God that fills us with true freedom and joy. God bless.

Father God, thank you so much for bringing every aspect of my life to You. Please show me if there is something in my life that is more important to me than you. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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