What does the Bible say about spending too much time at the computer?

Question:

Mr. Filat, please, tell me how the Bible treats the situation when one spends too much time in front of computer screen? Good health.

The question becomes even more interesting if considering that when I read it I was at the computer and now, when I write the answer I am in front of the computer screen, too. Prior to my reply, I think I must clarify …

What means spending too much time at the computer?

Excessively means more than necessary. Excessively means more than required. Excessively means what begins to harm health.

As a priest and pastor I have to spend much time at the computer. Just today I spent time to answer many messages I have received by e-mail, then I wrote two articles, I responded to comments posted on the site and I will prepare the message that I will preach next Sunday. I have the same amount of work every day and so I spend pretty much time at the computer and I can not say it is too much, since I have to do all this work.

From my point of view …

Excessively spending time at the computer is when you useless waste your time

There are many things that can cause you to waste your time at the computer. A great temptation is the Internet, especially since it is designed so as to lead you from one link to another and so on without end. Therefore, not to waste time sitting at the computer when you are connected to the Internet, you must set the limits, that means to set for yourself a well determined purpose on what you want to search on the Internet and why you need that information. Do not let your precious time be lost, because in the Bible it is written:

… making the most of your time, becausethe days are evil. So then do not be foolish, butunderstand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:16-17)(NASB)

Excessively spending time at the computer is when you become obsessed with computer

Nowadays, spending time in front of computer screen has become obsessive for many people. They no longer like to talk to people, spend time with them, but run avidly to sit at the computer. Even if they have been said in another context, these words from the Bible can be applied to those who spend excessive time in front of computer screens:

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)(NASB)

And it is also written that:

By what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:19)(NASB)

Excessively spending time at the computer is when it harms health

Hypodynamia is the problem of our century and it came with widespread access to computer and information technology development. Valentin Dikul, the famous Russian doctor in matters related to the vertebral column, says that osteochondrosis was a more common problem of people aged 50, but now it has become a big problem of adolescents and it is due to excessive sitting in front of computer screens. The greatest destructive pressure put on the vertebral discs is when we sit for a long time in the same position, and especially when we sit in a wrong position. Anyone who has to work a lot at the computer needs to know and to build a discipline to rise up and to exercise after each 30-40 minutes.

Do not use computer for sinful things

These are pornographic sites, gambling, virtual casino and other sinful passions that master people. In this regard I invite you to read these articles:

God bless us to behave with moderation and wisdom in all things and in the way how we use computer.

Translated by Felicia Rotaru