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Technology is inseparable from the human experience. From the earliest use of fire to today’s digital tools, it has always been a means of extending human capacity, fostering creativity, and meeting daily needs. Technology is, at its heart, a gift — one that allows us to shape our environment and nurture our relationships.
Yet in a world where technology is omnipresent, it’s easy to lose sight of its purpose. It can help us cultivate meaningful habits, but it can also distract us from them. The challenge is not rejecting technology but learning to engage with it intentionally so that it supports growth rather than undermining it.
A timeless partnership
Technology has always been a partner in human flourishing. From the invention of the wheel to modern communication tools, it enables us to organize time, collaborate with others, and solve problems. It’s deeply tied to our desire for rhythm and order. For example, building habits like morning prayer, focused work, or mindful rest is easier when structured with tools that promote consistency.
A signal to start a daily gratitude practice or a timer for moments of quiet during the day can help anchor us in routines that matter. These are modern versions of age-old tools, like the bells of monasteries, that remind us of the sacredness of time.
Avoiding the pitfalls
However, technology’s omnipresence comes with risks. It often veers away from its practical roots, tempting us into endless consumption. What begins as a helpful tool can become a source of distraction or passivity, diverting our attention from what nourishes our minds and spirits.
To build meaningful habits, we must consciously shape our relationship with technology. This means curbing its capacity to scatter our focus, opting instead for ways that direct its energy toward growth.
Using devices wisely doesn’t mean rejecting them but ensuring they align with our intentions.
A balanced engagement
The biblical mandate to “till and keep” the Earth (Genesis 2:15) reminds us of humanity’s role as stewards — not just of creation, but also of the tools we ourselves create. Approaching technology with a sense of stewardship allows us to integrate it into our lives in ways that promote wholeness.
For instance, setting aside moments for Scripture reading or uninterrupted conversations without the intrusion of screens nurtures habits that build connection and understanding. Technology can support such habits by providing structure, but the choice to engage fully rests with us.
Choosing purpose
The key to healthy engagement with technology is purpose. Tools, no matter how advanced, serve us best when they are used to cultivate virtues like discipline, gratitude, and attentiveness. When we control our use of technology — setting boundaries, prioritizing quiet moments, and focusing on meaningful tasks — it becomes a genuine ally.
Instead of distracting us, technology can remind us of what truly matters. By integrating it thoughtfully into our pursuit of good habits, we use it not just as a means of convenience but as a way to deepen our connection to life’s higher purposes.
The tools of today, just as those of years past, can become timeless instruments for personal and spiritual growth when guided by intention.
And today we celebrate...