John 10:10 AMP

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Psalm 119:37 TLB

37 Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours.[a] Revive my heart toward you.

Psalm 119:37 AMP

37 Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract—let Your priorities be mine], And restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways.

Psalm 119:37 TPT

37 Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true; drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.

Matthew 6:33 AMP

33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

The following questions are asked and answered by:

Allan Brown, Principle of Price Elementary Republic MO and Dad

Laura Foster, Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor working at MSU and Mom

1. How do you see the constant use of digital devices and social media influencing our ability to keep God 1st in our lives?

2. What are you hoping to get out of this fast personally/as a family?

3. From your perspective as an educator, how has the rise of digital technology affected students ability to focus, retain information, and engage in learning?

4. How does digital technology contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness or suicidal tendencies in people today? How can we address this biblically?

Galatians 5:1 ESV

5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

5.    What does it mean to be an authority figure and how can we as parents do a better job leading our children and parenting them?

6.    Digital devices don't just impact young people. How have you seen technology impact multiple generations?

7.     What are some biblical principles/guidelines families/individuals can use to establish healthy boundaries for digital technology moving forward?

    a. How can the church and the family work together in regards to digital technology…so that we can BE different (not normal)

Romans 12:1-2 MSG

12 1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

8.    How can we as families, individuals choose digital engagement that is wise rather than being slaves “addicted” to algorithms.” 

1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

9.    How can we as individuals/families/church/ do a better job of incorporating biblical values into the way/amount of time we use technology?

Additional verses referred to during discussion:

Psalm 127:3 NLT

3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Proverbs 22:6 NLT

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 23:13-14 NLT

13 Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them.

14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.[a]

Hebrews 12:11 NLT

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.