Our Minds—Shaped by Information Tools

It’s just a few weeks after the new year began. Most of us probably began the year with resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, or start training for that marathon we’ve always wanted to run. The most common new years resolutions (which are usually quickly broken!) use physical tools to change and shape our bodies. This brings us to truth number seven in our truths of technology series.

Our body is changed by physical tools; our mind is changed by informational tools. 

The physical tools we have designed shape our bodies. For example, riding in a car or sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time changes our posture and can have negative effects on our back, hips, or wrists. Implants or surgeries can help correct problems as our bodies break down and wear out. Our physical bodies are shaped by these tools, for better or for worse.

Just like physical tools change our bodies, informational tools shape and change our minds. The most obvious example of an informational tool is the Internet. Answers to nearly any question can be found quickly and easily with a simple Google search. Another is social media; the images and text we see influence our minds and our opinions about beauty, international affairs, politics, or shopping choices. Without even realizing it is happening, our minds are being shaped by the things we read, watch, and listen to as well as by the advertisements we view.

The most important tool for shaping our minds should be God’s Word. The Bible describes itself as

given by inspiration of God, and…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

It is important that we constantly “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2) through prayer and the reading of God’s Word to make sure we are continuing to think biblically and not like the world. The world is working hard to steal our time, focus, and thoughts so it can shape our minds to think a certain way or buy a certain product. We need to make sure our thinking is in line with God’s Word by allowing it to shape and transform us to be more like Jesus.

You can read the other blogs in this Truths of Technology series below:

Overview: Nine Truths of Technology

Truth #1: God’s Plan and Technology

Truth #2: Technology, Culture, and Change

Truth #3: There’s No Such Thing as Perfect Technology

Truth #4: Technology Made Me Do It!

Truth #5: New Technology, New Choices

Truth #6: Technology—Fighting the Curse

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Where Science & Technology Meet Truth