Articles: Perils on the Internet

Perils do Face Christians on the Internet

The internet is an unparalleled source of information, tools, and recreation. We can pay our
bills, do research for school papers, check the weather, buy plane tickets, look up an old
friend, sell old baby clothes, send and receive mail, or book a hotel room all from the comfort
and convenience of our own home. It is an invaluable resource which, if used properly, can
be very beneficial and advantageous to us. With the world just a click of the mouse away,
however, comes also access to every ungodly and destructive practice that the world has to
offer. In spite of all of the positive things which the internet offers, it has perhaps done more
to harm or destroy the lives of men, women, and children than it has accomplished good. In
reality the internet itself is neither inherently good or bad, but, like many things, such as
money, it may be used in a way that will be beneficial or destructive to the user.

Unfortunately, many fail to recognize the dangers which the internet poses until it is too late.
Some are aware of the potential dangers, but do not consider them a serious threat to their
well-being. It is often the very ones with just such a mindset who fall into the traps that Satan
has laid for them, never to recover. Brothers and sisters, there is a desperate need for us to
be forewarned and aware of the grave situation surrounding the use of the internet, including
its use among members of the church. There is no such thing as any person, whether young
or old, male or female, Christian or nonchristian, being above the temptations that the
internet presents. It is probably the case that some who are reading this do not see this topic
to be of extreme significance. It might seem that the things stated herein are so obvious so as
to hardly need discussion and explanation. Be assured, however, that there is such a need,
and that daily we are losing Christian brothers and sisters, as well as children, to the online
wiles of the devil. We simply cannot afford to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11),
nor can we afford to let this terrible problem go untreated.

The Internet -- a Uniquely Dangerous Threat

Why is the internet so dangerous? There have always been innumerable ways, if one so
desired, in which one could sin. Men and women have been inventors of every evil thing
imaginable since long before computers or the World Wide Web were around (cf. Rom.
1:30). What then is so special about the internet?

Let me suggest that the following factors make the internet so dangerous to Christians today,
as well as to our children. First, the internet is so accessible, convenient, and easy to use.
There is no need to make the drive to Biloxi when one can gamble in the computer room. Not
only is the internet so accessible, but it is often accessed in a private setting. Some who
would never dare to be seen in a casino or at the dog track could much more easily place
bets online without ever leaving the room. Some who would never venture into an "adult"
bookstore might be much more likely to pursue their lusts at home in private. Accessibility and
privacy are two of the greatest factors in making the internet such a danger.

Second, much of what is available on the internet is offered free of charge. It is much easier
to become involved in sin when it does not cost me anything financially.

Third, the internet is so dangerous because it is addictive. In addition to online pornography
and gambling being addictive, just using the internet itself can become an addiction. We grow
accustomed to spending hours a day shopping online, playing games online, or just surfing
the net, to the point that we feel that we cannot go without it. When Paul said "I will not be
brought under the power of any," he actually had reference not to things which are morally
sinful, but to things which are neither inherently good or evil but which we allow to dominate
the choices we make (1 Cor. 6:12). There is not only the need to warn against online
pornography, betting, etc., but to warn against becoming too attached to the internet period.

Fourth, the internet is so dangerous, especially to Christians, because it can be very
deceptive. Internet users need to be aware of this. E-mails from unknown senders with
subject headings offering free quotes on life insurance have been known to provide links to
"adult" websites. How many of us have tried to close out a pop-up advertisement only to be
taken somewhere we did not want to be? Innocent engine searches can lead to harmful
results. Take this into account especially as it relates to dangers which threaten our children.

Fifth, the internet can promote laziness. This might not be the first thing that comes to mind
when discussing perils of the internet, but there needs to be serious consideration on the
Christian’s part concerning this matter. Advances in science and technology have done
immeasurable good--we live more comfortable and healthy lives than ever before. Comfort
and convenience, however, are usually accompanied by apathy toward spiritual matters as
well as general laziness. Let us use the internet and all other such tools for our own benefit,
and for the good of the church, but let us be careful that we do not allow the ease and
convenience of modern technology keep us from being diligent in our service to God and man.

Sixth, the internet is a unique threat in that it offers every possible sin and vice in which we
can be involved. Satan is crafty and smart; he knows what is effective in alluring us to sin,
and how to go about accomplishing his task. So, if he cannot entice me with online gambling,
then he will try to gain a hold of me with pornography. If for some people pornography is not
a temptation, then Satan will try to seduce them through explicit chat rooms and personal
ads. If this does not work, then there is always the possibility of addiction to material things
and wasted stewardship--of both time and money. What is a weakness for you is not
necessarily a weakness for me. Things that I struggle with may not be a problem for you. But
whatever your greatest weaknesses and temptations are, you can be assured that they will
be targeted somewhere on the internet. For this and the other reasons offered, the internet is
perhaps without peer among Satan’s weapons used to destroy souls.

Specific Perils which Face us on the Internet

There are some specific perils which we must consider. The following have done much to
destroy the lives of Christian men and women, to ruin families, and to cost people their souls.

Pornography--in discussing perils facing Christians on the internet, pornography is always the
first thing that comes to mind. Webster defines pornography as "the depiction of erotic
behavior as in pictures or writing intended to cause sexual excitement." Pornography is clearly
a violation of every principle of decency and godliness (cf. Matt. 5:28; Prov. 6:25; 1 Tim. 2:9;
etc.). It is not only sinful, but extremely destructive--spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
This is conceded by all, and, unfortunately, known from personal experience for many of us.
However, what is generally not conceded is that pornography, "the depiction of erotic
behavior intended to cause sexual excitement," includes much more than what is generally
labeled as pornographic. Swimsuit models on sports pages, or ads containing other
provocative pictures of indecently dressed women found on just about every kind of website,
are generally considered to be less offensive and dangerous than other pornography; but they
are dangerous nonetheless. In fact, it is just this sort of thing which, if we allow ourselves to
go along with, will eventually lead to more and more provocative material until there is no
limit to what we will view. We need to avoid not only "adult" websites, but any sites where
crude and unsavory material is present. Our tolerance of these things will only lead to more
intense and destructive practices.

Gambling--What is the big deal about internet gambling? If for no other reason, a Christian
cannot be involved in internet gambling because it ruins one’s reputation and influence. It is
not possible to provide things honest in the sight of all men and be an internet gambler (Rom.
12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21). It is conceded even by the nonreligious that gambling in general is
addictive and destructive, harmful both to the individual and to society; it certainly has no
place in the life of a servant of God (cf. 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16; Tit. 2:8). Internet gambling in
particular poses such a great threat because it often appears to be so innocent and minor in
comparison to other forms of gambling; but, as is the case with all sin, the "small" leads to
"worse" and "bigger" things. What starts out as some innocent fun with online betting games
easily leads to addiction, waste, and ruin. With a hateful adversary ever on the prowl (1 Pet.
5:8-9), there is no room in a Christian’s life for any practice that might cause us to drop our
guard.

Chat rooms, dating agencies, personal ads, etc.--These often have been the subjects of
humor, but there is nothing funny about the lives that have been destroyed and hearts broken
from online relationships. Some people are so desperate for companionship, whether of a
friend or a mate, that they will compromise their integrity, ignore common sense, and risk
their reputation to find it. We have all known of cases of abduction, rape, or murder which
stemmed from two strangers "meeting" in a chat room or through an online dating agency.
This ought to be enough to prevent a level-headed person from seeking the companionship of
strangers through such services [unless the service is known to be trustworthy and every
possible precaution is taken. There are some chat rooms and dating services that are
overseen by members of the church and have helped Christians find good Christian
mates--but even with those rooms and agencies extreme caution should be exercised]. But, in
addition to the physical dangers that exist in online dating and chatting with strangers, many
chat rooms and personal ads are major sources of sexually explicit practices and encouragers
of marital infidelity. With that being the case, why should we not simply avoid that temptation
by staying away from chat rooms, online dating, etc.? "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and
his clothes not be burned (Prov. 6:27)?"

Poor stewardship--Again, the internet provides many great benefits, but it can easily become
far too time-consuming. We are to use our time wisely, as good stewards of that which God
has given us (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 4:2). Some Christians have time for the internet, but not
for Bible study or prayer. Some Christians spend an hour or two every day on the computer
(outside of work), but cannot find the time in the week to visit the sick or invite people to a
Bible study. Time is a precious commodity; which is more deserving of our time--internet
surfing or Christian growth and service?

Escaping/Overcoming the Perils we Face on the Internet

We are aware of the dangers that use of the internet might present, but what are we to do
about it? Besides the option of simply discontinuing use of the internet altogether, here are
suggestions. First, be ever mindful of the dangers present. Do not dismiss them as minor or
think that you are above their temptations (1 Cor. 10:12). Second, avoid the first step.
Destructive, consuming behavior starts with the small first step. Avoid even the mere
suggestion of gambling, indecency, etc. Avoid lasciviousness and covetous practices, yes, but
also "such like" (Gal. 5:19-21). It is much easier to avoid taking the first step than to stop the
progression of sin. Third, have an "open door" policy. Situate your computer in a conspicuous,
open area where the temptation to sneak a look at things inappropriate will be far less. Some
businesses require employees’ computers to be facing the door to their office and the door to
remain open--this is a wise policy for all of us to adopt. Fourth, utilize tools and programs
that refuse and guard against "adult" content, including pornography, gambling, and graphic
violent and drug-related materials. There are many such tools available in the industry--use
them. Fifth, fill your mind with God’s word, your time with his work, and your surroundings
with good people. If I become so familiar with God’s word that "He that hasteth to be rich
hath an evil eye (Prov. 28:22)" is the first thing that comes to my mind when gambling is
suggested, then it will be much harder to place that bet. If "her feet go down to death; her
steps take hold on hell (Prov. 5:5)" is branded in my memory, then I will first have to willingly
push it from my mind before I can proceed to view pornography or join an explicit
conversation in a chat room. If I am busy being about my Father’s business, I won’t have
nearly the opportunities to fall into the traps of the internet as I otherwise would. If I surround
myself with faithful children of God, the enjoyment and encouragement I receive from our
association will discourage me from becoming involved in sinful and destructive behavior.
Sixth, pray, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matt. 6:13)." God provides
the means to overcome temptation (1 Cor. 10:13); we must use them.

Go on and pay your bills from your home, find a good deal on golf clubs online, check the
weather in San Antonio for your upcoming vacation, e-mail your family members overseas,
and find good Bible class materials to download. But, be aware of Satan’s devices. Protect
yourself and your children, and put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11-17).