Computer Time: Good vs. Bad

Much discussion has been had as to whether spending time on the computer is good or bad. There are both good and bad ways to spend one’s time on the computer.

Computer Games: Good vs. Bad?

An abundance of games are neither mind-stimulating nor educational. While playing games is not wrong, too much gaming is unproductive for the human mind. However, some games are stimulating to one’s brain. They teach one anything from strategy and puzzle-solving to paying attention to facts and details!

Computers: Hobby or Not?

Almost everyone has a hobby. Some people enjoy reading, sports, or photography while others prefer writing, cross-stitching, or coin collecting. There are many hobbies that aren’t good for one, but an abundance of hobbies prove to be productive. Take sports for example. Vast amounts of youth are involved in at least one sport. They enjoy playing and watching sports as well as talking about them. Likewise, many youth are encouraged to take up an instrument. Many students play, listen to, and sometimes even teach music! In both music and sports, there is a common goal: to improve one’s knowledge and skills for his particular hobby. He also enjoys being able to view his progress and improvement and, in some cases, a finished product. An abundance of people don’t see computers in the same way as other hobbies. However, if one takes the time to compare computers with other hobbies, he will find that it is quite similar to other hobbies. Most people who are interested in computers – this is not referring to those who are only on computers for gaming purposes – love to learn about computers and technology because knowing information like that is vital for certain careers and tasks. One also enjoys improving his computer skills as well as seeing his progression.

What is the heart of the matter?

This whole issue boils down to one question: Just what IS the heart of the matter? The answer is simple: If God is a person’s one and only main focus, then it shouldn’t matter what one’s hobby is a long as he is glorifying God and bringing Him glory through it. Some do not realize that one who has computers as his hobby can also have it as his mission field. This is particularly true for one who does not attend public school, rarely has extracurricular activities, and does not have a job. In this case, one sometimes has an abundance of time to spend time talking to fellow believers online and trying to do as Christ commanded: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good to his edification.” (Romans 5:1-2)  Being as “iron sharpening iron” is a very good use of one’s time. Sometimes it may be by talking face to face, other times phone to phone, and oftentimes computer to computer. If one is a willing instrument in God’s hand, then God can use him in amazing ways no matter what his interests may be.

How much computer time is adequate?

The amount of computer time one should receive varies significantly under different circumstances. If one is responsible to get his tasks completed thoroughly every day, then he should have more computer time than he who is lax and forgets or doesn’t complete his tasks. When one is using his time productively on the computer, he should be more likely to have a larger amount of time on the computer than he who spends his time on the computer unproductively. Time spent on the computer should also be affected by one’s grade and how well he performs his tasks at work, at school, and at home. If a student is excelling both at school and at work, he should be given the privilege of having more computer time than he who is not spending enough time on his tasks.

What does this all boil down to?

In closing, here are a few questions one should answer when making a decision as to how much computer time his student should possess: Is your child diligent enough to complete his tasks everyday without being asked therefore earning the privilege to spend time on the computer? Is he also responsible and trustworthy enough to manage his time effectively and be given the freedom to make wise decisions about how he spends his time? Is what he doing on the computer productive or unproductive? And most importantly, does he put God first in everything and conduct himself in a way that will bring honor and glory to God?

1. Drivers Ed started last Monday and will be going through next Thursday
2. School started back up on the 3rd and is going well
3. I will be starting up b-ball again on the 29th or so
4. I should be heading back to AWANA in three Wednesdays if nothing else comes up to prolong my return
5. I may start babysitting again on Thursday nights and possibly Friday mornings (but probably not...)
6. I have my drivers permit right now and have driven the manual car once! w00t!
7. Running for Mayor of the ToO (but that probably is of no importance to most of you. )
8. Hoping to visit a college or two in the upcoming months