I was still a student in the early nineties when I already had a mobile phone. At that stage, it was still a small brick stuck on your hip, but for everyone, it was so clever to be able to call someone else from anywhere. 

Mobile phone technology has developed incredibly and if one knew then what a massive industry it would become, everyone would have scraped together their last pennies to invest in it. It was truly life-changing. 

Take a look at your mobile phone. It’s so much more than just an instrument that makes a call. It’s a bank teller where you do all your banking. If you wonder what the weather will look like tomorrow, you just open the weather app and these days it’s so accurate that even if the sun is shining this afternoon, you will take a sweater with you for when it turns cold in the evening. 

My parents were on their way to the Kruger National Park years ago. Days before the time, the map books were taken out. The main route was easy, because if you stay on the N1 you won’t get lost easily. 

The challenge was to get to the family in Pretoria. My father and mother were practically drenched in sweat after all the twists and turns to get to my uncle and aunt in Lynnwood Ridge. Today, you just download Google Maps. It not only shows the way, but also accurately indicates the ETA! 

Oh, yes, and of course my wife’s most important app: the camera. Around every corner, we must stop and smile and stare at the phone for a photo. And if something doesn’t look right, she forces us to stare at the phone again and smile properly. 

Unfortunately, there are also other platforms available on your phone that can quickly lead you into a deep hole. 

These days, temptations arrive more and more easily at your front door, or rather on your mobile phone. Without you looking for it, it comes knocking at the door. Today, men and women must stand strong not to fall for the wrong pictures and videos. 

Yet the challenges and temptations that arise irregularly and unexpectedly are not new. Many years ago, this was already tripping people up. That is why the Word of God also warns against this: 10God is especially incensed against these “teachers” who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. 

Let’s get serious about this warning. Let’s make sure that we don’t step into the hole and become guilty of satisfying the lust of people and walking outside the will of God. Let’s not allow the devices in our hands to lure us to dark streets. 

May we also help others to keep their eyes clear and not give in to wrong and selfish desires. Let us instead open our Bible app and ask God and the Spirit to always keep us standing. 

Scripture
2 Peter 2:9-11

Reflection
What are you struggling with?
Where do you have to post guards?
Where and how can you get help? 

Prayer
Father, You are the King of my life. Please help me to live under Your authority and stand strong against the temptations that sometimes appear so unexpectedly. Amen.