The Dangers of Cell Phones

 

 

 

The Dangers of Cell Phones

 

 

 

II Cor 2:11 

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

It was in 1973 in the research and development lab of the Motorola Corporation that Dr. Martin Cooper gave us the wonderful invention known as the cellular telephone. These phones were not very popular in the 70’s and 80’s due to the large size, expensive cost, and bulky attachments. But in the 90’s the cell phone craze began.  Now in the year 2013, 88% of teenagers between the ages of 13-18 have a cell phone. What is even more shocking is that 50% of children ages 8-12 have a cell phone. The average age when a person receives their first cell phone is age 11. It is needless to say, the once unpopular invention is now one of the most coveted and purchased items for a teenager.

Let me begin by saying, I don’t believe cell phones are wrong. However, like anything else, they can be used for wrong. I believe cell phones give us a way to communicate with people, a way to report emergencies, and a way to stay in contact when traveling. They hold addresses, play music, send emails, surf the web, give directions, take pictures and of course make phone calls.

I am not the only one that has noticed the increased popularity and function ability of the cell phone. The Devil is a sly and cunning tempter. He knows there are some Christian teenagers he has failed to trap with his wiles and darts. In a very strategic and effective move he has placed four of the greatest enemies of Christian teenagers in a small handheld device that most of them have or want.  Rock Music, Pornography, Worldliness, and Teenage Dating are all facilitated by the cell phone.  While I don’t think every teenager with a cell phone is involved in these things, I am not naïve enough to believe that none are; especially when most cell phones make it available.

I believe it would be foolish of me to try to get you to get rid of your cell phone. You have probably begged, pleaded, saved, and worked hard to get it. In our society, you will probably have one for the rest of your life. What I would like to do is to give you some warnings about some dangers that cell phones bring to the life of a teenager.

I. Social Pressure

For a teenager a cell phone is a symbol of your social standing. What kind of phone, what features, how many minutes, and how much it costs are steps in your cell phone reputation. Be careful that the “Everyone is Doing It” and the “Mine Has To Be Bigger and Better” philosophies don’t invade your life. You do not have to have a cell phone. We lived for centuries without them. If you have one, you don’t have to have the newest, most expensive one. Be happy with the one you have. This attitude while cute with toys and phones, can be brutal to you as adult with relationships, jobs and spending.

II. Sensual Pictures

 “Sexting” as it is called is where teenagers take inappropriate pictures on their cell phones and then send them to another cell phone. To many of you this may seem silly and trivial. But to 45% of teenagers this is real. This is of course pornography. Also, once these pictures are sent, there is no controlling how many others will see. This issue is not just important to preachers and parents, but even the legal system is taking a stand. In LaCrosse, Wisconsin a 17 year old boy was charged with possessing child pornography because he had nude pictures of his girlfriend on his phone. In Utah, a 16 year old was charged with a felony for sending inappropriate pictures of himself to his girlfriend, and in Daphne, Alabama two teenage girls were charged for sending pictures of themselves to boys. This is a serious subject. Be careful what you record and what pictures you take with your phone. Remember, once you send that picture you cannot get it back and you can’t control where it goes next.

III. Sinful Music

Most of the modern cell phones come equipped with Itunes or MP3 players. With some adults being technologically challenged, it is becoming easier and easier to hide wicked music. Cell phones can download the music, store the music, and play the music. It is a portable music shop. As Christians, we must be very careful what we allow to enter our ears. Don’t download worldly music on your phone. Everyone knows there is not any good music promoted by the world. If you must have music on your phone upload your own good gospel music. Watch your ring tones. Many times good Christians will excuse rock music because it is being played as a ring tone. Rock music is rock music. Whether it is a clip or the whole song, it is either right or wrong.

IV. Senseless Addiction

I must say, there are times that even I fall into this danger. I have too often found myself doing the "Where's my phone" dance. Recently on vacation, I took an entire day and timed how long I could go without looking at my phone. I didn't check to see how many likes I had, who tweeted me, or what the score was. For the entire day, I spent time focusing on having fun, spending time with my wife and enjoying Hawaii. It was great.

Be careful that you don't become addicted to your phone. As silly as that sounds, take a moment to think about it. Do you check it every few minutes? Do you jump to it when it beeps? Who is in control of your relationship with your phone?

V. Secret Conversations

This is probably the greatest danger among our Independent Fundamental Baptist teenagers. Your preacher and your parents have rules for dating. You disagree with their rules. You have a special someone and you want to talk to them. Knowing your parents won’t let you use the house phone to call them, you sneak outside or up to your room and talk on your cell phone. In fact, with texting you don’t even have to talk. So, you are fueling an improper relationship that is not pastor approved, parent approved or God approved and you say and text things on the phone that you would be embarrassed to say in person. The devil is using this device to destroy your emotions, your obedience, your purity, and your spirituality. Be careful about calling late at night. If you can’t talk to someone with your parents in the room, you probably shouldn’t be talking to them. Watch your text messages. Once you send that message, you can never get it back and you cannot control who sees it. Don't delete your messages. Live a life so that if Mom or Dad want to view your messages, they can. Live above reproach.

Cell phones are wonderful, powerful, and time saving devices. Just as we can use them for good things, the Devil can use them for sinful things. You must be aware and pay attention to the “wiles” of the Devil. Your phone can be used to help, but it can also be used to hurt. Be aware of the dangers and do right even with your cell phone.

 

#fuel