Digital Dangers

I consider myself a techie and enjoy the benefits of using electronic equipment. For years, I’ve mostly read God’s word on my smartphone, tablet, and laptop. I can quickly look up verses in different translations, plus enlarge the font to make them easier to read. The small printing in some Bibles almost require a magnifying glass. At night, I often fall asleep to an audio Bible playing on one of my devices. 

Living out of a suitcase and limited to the amount of things I can pack, I strive to be as paperless as possible. I primarily communicate online to reduce the amount of snail mail that arrives at my post office box. Using apps on my iPhone, I conveniently use public transportation and make financial transactions. However, I still carry some cash in case of emergencies. One morning, I visited McDonald’s to order a coffee and breakfast burrito, but unfortunately, their computer system was down, preventing me from using my debit card. Fortunately, a woman behind me, who was a believer, offered to pay for my order since I didn’t have enough cash on me.


There is a danger of technology getting into the wrong hands. Corrupt politicians continually look for ways to abuse their power and control their constituents. Recently, U. K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his plan for a mandatory digital ID “for the right to work.” This will supposedly curb illegal immigration. Many Brits are protesting the possible Orwellian consequences of the “BritCard.” One petition has already collected over 2.7 million signatures.


There has also been pushback when American leaders attempted to launch a national ID. In 1994, the Clinton administration’s proposal for every American to carry a “Health Security Card” failed to pass Congress (although Obamacare would go into effect two decades later). During the COVID-19 pandemic, some officials pushed for a tracking system to enforce mandatory vaccinations.


Nevertheless, governments have enacted laws that infringe on personal liberties under the guise of security. Earlier this year, the REAL ID Act of 2005 finally went into effect after numerous delays. Americans must now have a “REAL ID” to board airliners. I haven’t gotten one partially due to privacy concerns. Also, Southwest Airlines started charging fees for checked baggage. So for now, I’m using alternative forms of transportation.


This past Thursday, I stopped by a Tesla dealership to test drive one of their vehicles. It was the first time I ever rode in a driverless car. Although I was impressed with its many features, I have some reservations about possibly owning one. Teslas are strictly electric. Hackers could figure out a way to take control of these vehicles. Data breaches have resulted in personal information falling into the hands of thieves who have stolen people’s identities and funds. Fortunately, two-step verification can safeguard online accounts. 


As long as the church is on the earth, technology can be utilized to do God’s work. But after the rapture, the Antichrist will use the Mark of the Beast to take over the world. I don’t plan to be around for that. You don’t have to as well if you know the Lord.


“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18


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