The internet or the Word? Decisions, decisions…..Why go to google when you can go to God?, may be the precise thought running through the minds of those reading the title to this post and rightly so. But it does also make one think, what is it about the internet and its fibre optic speed to deliver answers (albeit not always true) that has many choosing this route-er, instead of the good pages from the good book bible?
If there is one thing technology has enabled mankind to have is ‘everything’ at the click of a button within seconds and as a result, taking time to dial up to God through His word and prayer like the good ole days of cable internet seems like too much of a task. The good thing about this? Many are still searching for God and answers, but the problem is we’re scouring through man made answers that may not always provide sound biblical guidance like the scripture does.
Below you’ll find out the what’s and the why’s of googling God and how to stay in His word over the world wide web.
Is the Bible Becoming Irrelevant?
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
First of all, the bible can never be irrelevant, argue with the search engine! Irrespective of the resistance the word of God receives from society – it’s still the number one selling book of all time. You can check google for that, lol.
More to the point, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is showing us one of the reasons why the word of God is relevant and useful to us. Knowing that the essence of scripture is to reveal and direct us to Christ it makes sense to seek Him out through His word rather than other means. The word of God is full of wisdom, encouragement and advice. It is a fully comprehensive guide for good and godly living. While the internet can provide quick and easy answers to questions we may have – it pales in comparison to spending time in His presence.
Seeking God, Outside of Him
“He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.”
Psalm 103:7 (NLT)
Googling is knowing answers, not the God behind the answers. Not His heart or His character. So while we can search and know the yes and nos, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to know God intimately. Furthermore, Google is full of opinions and not vetted by the bible, meaning anyone can include what they want! So it’s important to use it with discernment and always refer back to the Word of God if you find yourself on a googling spree.
John tells us that eternal life is knowing God and Paul informs us that the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. This tells us that knowing God is very important and we cannot truly know Him by time spent on the net more than time spent in His word. It requires pursuit and relationship which is what the Israelites ran from. Whereas Moses didn’t, he knew Him personally. We have the opportunity to encounter God and experience the revelations that come with the studying of scripture.
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
What are people googling about God and where can we find it in scripture?
Ironically, according to google, these are some of the questions being asked about God and the bible answers the questions in the verses below:
– Are God and Jesus the same? ( John 10:30, Philippians 2:5-6, John 17:21, John 1:18)
– Can I ask God for a sign? ( John 14:13-14, Mark 11:24, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 21:22, Judges 6:36-40)
– How did God create the world? ( Genesis 1 & 2 )
– Can God read your mind? (1 Chronicles 28:9, 1 Kings 8:39, 1 Samuel 16:7, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 38:9, Psalm 139:2-23, Matthew 9:4)
One thing to note is google is not an inherently evil resource, but it is contaminated with information from sources outside of God’s word, which is why wisdom and discernment is key when looking into spiritual matters.
Search His word, not the Web
Start by praying and asking God through the power of His Holy Spirit to assist you in reading the scripture and guide you to the truth (John 16:13 ). It may be difficult at first, but like going to the gym, you must train your spiritual muscles to study. So while the lack of patience, laziness or being genuinely lost on what to do may be the reason why many turn to google instead of scripture, patience is the key and a virtue to exercise when looking for God. You can utilise the index pages that can be found at the back of the bible to search for keywords or topics. A good bible to aid in studying is in fact a study bible that is readily available online – you are permitted to google that!
Be challenged the next time you have a question about God or a particular area in life, to go to His word over the world wide web.
Words by Tumi Mary
