The Bible never says, “Thou shalt limit thy TikTok scrolling to 30 minutes a day.” Jesus didn’t carry an iPhone, post miracle clips on Instagram, or ask his disciples to “like and subscribe.”
Even though the Bible was written before smartphones, it gives surprisingly good advice for how we handle technology today. The Bible talks a lot about our attention, our habits, and what controls our lives; which screen time influences more than we realize.
7 Things the Bible Says About How We Use Technology
Here are some Bible ideas that can help you use technology wisely instead of letting it use you.
1. Use Your Time Wisely
“Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” — Ephesians 5:15–16
Time is one thing you never get back. Scrolling for five minutes can mysteriously turn into two hours (and three bags of chips) later. God calls us to live wisely and make the most of the time we’ve been given. That doesn’t mean phones are evil. It just means your time matters—because it matters to him!
2. What You Think About Matters
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
Your brain is like a playlist. Whatever you keep playing gets stuck in your head. If your feed is full of drama, trash talk, and negativity, guess what starts filling your thoughts? More drama and negativity.
The good news is this principle works both ways. God invites us to focus on things that are good, true, and uplifting, not things that slowly wreck our mindset. The more attention you give to these things, the more they take root in your heart and mind.
Technology can be a tool that points us to good and bad things alike. That’s why being mindful of the content you consume matters!
3. Don’t Let Anything Control You
“I have the right to do anything… but I will not be mastered by anything.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12
Having a phone isn’t a bad thing. But if you can’t go ten minutes without checking it, that should give you pause. God wants us to be free: not controlled by likes, notifications, or streaks.
When something starts running your life, it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate your screen habits.
4. Real Rest Comes from Jesus
“Take my yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29
A lot of people scroll because they’re tired, stressed, or bored. But endless scrolling rarely makes you feel better. At best, mindless scrolling does nothing to address your real issues. At worst, it can pile onto the things you’re already processing—which makes your mental load feel even heavier, and drags you into a cycle of more scrolling to self-medicate.
Jesus offers something deeper: real rest for your heart, not just a temporary distraction. When you turn to Jesus for rest by spending time reading the Bible, talking to him in prayer, or simply spending time worshiping in his presence, you’ll experience true rest and relief.
5. Don’t Replace Real People with Screens
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25
Technology has made some pretty impressive advances when it comes to keeping us connected with one another. But while it’s fun to send a group chat or share a meme, nothing replaces actually talking, laughing, and encouraging each other in person.
Even though tech has made it easier to stay connected from afar, it’s surprisingly easy to become isolated. God designed us for real relationships—the kind that grow our faith and allow us to give and receive support and encouragement..
Don’t underestimate the value of spending time with others. Text a friend to grab a coffee, look for ways to meet new people in your community, and consider joining a Group at church!
6. Don’t Just Follow the Crowd
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world…let God transform you by changing the way you think.” — Romans 12:2
Culture changes fast. What’s trending today will probably be cringe-worthy in five years. God calls us to something better than just copying whatever everyone else is doing. He helps us think differently—and live differently.
Just because most people you know spend a lot of time on their devices doesn’t mean you have to. Consider the things God wants you to prioritize and make sure you’re making time for them first.
7. Jesus Offers a Bigger Life
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
Jesus didn’t come to make life boring. He came to give us real life: full, meaningful, and joyful. Screens can entertain us for a while, but they can’t replace purpose, friendship, adventure, faith, and love. Those things come from living life with God.
Tech? Use Wisely.
Phones, games, and social media aren’t inherently bad. They’re just tools. But while most tools can be helpful, we can become over-reliant on them.
The Bible’s advice is simple: Use wisdom. Guard your thoughts. Stay free. Stay connected to people. And most importantly, stay connected to Jesus—because no notification will ever be better than the life he offers.
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