Not everything is good. 

It was my first time. I was nervous. I had to carefully choose what to do next. I knew I should be wise and strategic; every move mattered. So I put all my remaining energy into making sure that I would leave the buffet restaurant full and satisfied.

I chose not to be deceived and remembered the four words someone had told me: “Not everything is good.” Fortunately, I listened. I did not let myself be deceived by mere looks or presentation.

So I left with no regrets.

But I realize now. Doesn’t the “not everything is good” principle apply, not just in that situation, but also in today’s digital age? In an era of countless options, do we still have the chance to carefully select what we will take in? Can we really still filter what we consume—or do the apps already control our choices?

For most of us, our current situation allows us to appreciate two of the gifts God has given us: time and technology. These gifts are given to everyone, but not all are faithful stewards of them.

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

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

1 Corinthians 10:23

The Apostle Paul wrote this to renew his readers’ mindsets on what real freedom is. He exhorted every believer that our freedom in God is not a license to do anything that’s pleasurable for us.

Freedom, if not handled correctly, can chain us to something that God has already freed us from.

And so here are some reminders to use time and technology wisely and with self-discipline:

1. Choose what to feed.

Someone once said, “What you feed grows.”

What does this mean? For example, someone who feeds his mind with fear and anxiety through the internet will find it hard to be courageous when faced with a difficult situation.

Instead of feeding fear, choose to feed your faith in God. Take some time to turn off your phone, pause from scrolling, find your quiet place, and start talking to God.

There are a lot of people who desire to grow, but only a few are walking on the path toward growth. You can be one of these by choosing what to feed.

2. Choose what will influence you.

We’ve heard that the sum total of the people we interact with most says a lot about who we are and what we value.

Isn’t that also true with how we spend our time and utilize technology?

The apps you open, the music you play, the movies you watch, and the books you read influence and shape you. These things can either build you up or tear you down.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours.

3. Choose to build others up.

Your social media channel can be a platform to encourage people, add value to them, or inspire them. When we utilize social media to spread hope and joy instead of ignoble things, we’re being responsible stewards of these resources.

Let’s be bearers of hope and joy.

In just a few clicks, we have instant access to everything online. As we continue to stay at home and maximize our time, we must remember to only consume things that are God-honoring and are aligned to our values. 

Don’t be deceived by something that only looks appealing but has no value at all.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8