Technology; A Blessing and a Curse

 "...Thou shalt not ^aidle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy ^btalent that it may not be known." 

-Full Reference-

There are countless opportunities provided to us through the virtual world.

We can go all over the world in the blink of an eye.  We can see the Great Wall of China, travel to the Eiffel tower, then talk to another person on the other side of the world, all while eating at the local burger joint. 

 

This technology, more specifically, the internet, has allowed us to keep in touch with people that we otherwise would not be able to and keep tabs on them(ahem... FACEBOOK-Stalking!).  We can take classes online and learn in ways that may not have been dreamed of even ten years ago.

But there are dangers too.

Viruses.  Hackers.  Time-wasters.(yes, they're a danger too!)

Back when I was home, instead of spending some quality time with my family, I wanted to try to save the galaxy from the tyrant Mengsk.  Again.  

I wanted to survive the Zombie Apocalypse with my fellow virtual survivors, rather than chilling with my real family.  

I wanted to beat down the Sith Lords(or join them to rule the galaxy... One can never decide...) instead of playing with my little brother.

Y'know, the little things.

Technology is wonderful.  I will never argue that, but I look back to the time that I could've been spending with my family, maybe helping those around me, and I just shake my head...

What could I have done with all that time that I spent on the computer???

I love video games!  There is no arguing that.  I love playing the stories, listening to the music, discovering who beat who.  But I feel like I could've spent it more wisely!  As it states in the bible; there is a time for EVERYTHING(!) and it's important that we not waste the already little time we have! Amulek (A missionary from The Book of Mormon) reminds us,

"For behold, this ^alife is the time for men to ^bprepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of ^cthis life is the day for men to perform their ^dlabors."  -Full Reference-

The internet is great, wonderful, and all around useful, but think about what we could be doing instead of wasting time. (Unless, of course, you're doing something useful, in which case; Good on ya!)

In the Mormon Message below, David A. Bednar(an Apostle) provides the following two questions to help us with our use of technology;

1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?

2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?

Made with excerpts of David A. Bednar's  talk, "Things as They Really Are"

In the end, I can only remember the prophetic council of Jacob(another prophet from the Book of Mormon), which helps me when I'm trying to make a choice-

"O be ^awise; what can I say more[!]?"

-Full Reference-

Note: There is a voting option to the right that you can select a question that Elder Hart and I will answer!  Vote!  Make your voice heard!  Let us know that people care...  :( 

Question; What methods have you learned to help you spend your time effectively?