Bible Passage: “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-12; Galatians 5:1-26
My first cell phone was a Motorola flip phone.
I had the world by the tail, but that technology is no comparison to the power in our hands today.
In those days, cell phones were a luxury. Today, they are everywhere. 95% of Canadian adults now own a mobile device.[1]
But much more concerning is the dependence and addictions that technology has amplified.
Once, on a 4-hour flight, I sat behind a young man who, for the entire flight, leaned forward, head down, scrolling and scrolling, hardly looking up.
This is not to pick on the emerging generation. He reminded me how all our lives have become tethered to these devices, blurring the line between the real and digital worlds.
Not all tech is bad, and most smart tech is… well… pretty smart. There are many benefits: connection with loved ones, information at our fingertips, tools for work, and apps that support our devotional life, to name a few.
But along with blessings is the darker side of control, addiction, and enslavement. Addiction is not only about the content we consume; it is also the time we spend, the relationships and responsibilities we ignore, and the pain we try to numb.
The pull is powerful for men in obvious places, such as pornography, gaming, and sports betting, but also in less obvious ways like conspiracy theories, doomscrolling, manosphere influencers, and the AI craze.
These can become our drug of choice, holding us captive and dragging us away from holiness, love, joy, contentment, peace, and rest.
Technology can mold us into its image, whether we see it or not. Even more, it can hold us in addictive patterns that harm us.
Solomon uses a vivid image of broken-down walls to illustrate the crucial role of self-control in safeguarding a person’s well-being. A city without walls is vulnerable to attack, and a man without self-control is exposed to harmful influences, temptation, and consequences.
Without self-control, technological tools meant to serve us can become the thing we cannot function without. The slave becomes the master, and the master becomes the slave.
The freedom we find in Christ is not a license to sin but freedom from being enslaved by sin. Addictive behaviors no longer need to be the norm. Jesus offers freedom and a healthy, holy life of self-control, empowered by the Spirit.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the freedom You have granted me through the power of the Cross, the empty tomb, and the infilling of Your Spirit. Help me live as a free man, free to live for You, to worship You, and to serve You. Amen.
Reflection: What areas of your digital life have become areas where you need more self-control? Are there any areas where you know you have become enslaved to sin and need to find freedom in Christ? If you know you have an addiction that could or has gotten out of control, reach out to a trusted friend, pastor, or Christian counselor for help today.
If you would like someone to pray with you today, please call our 24/7 prayer line. A trained prayer partner is waiting to take your call.
https://www.impactus.org/prayer-line/
1-888-455-1050
[1] https://mediaincanada.com/2025/09/02/mtm-cellphone-use-canada/
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