Chainsaw Handling Tips: Giving Internet Access as a Christmas Gift

By Contributing Writer, Jeannette Paulson

Recently I bought an inexpensive Tracphone from Walmart for texting and calling. At home I looked at it more closely and was shocked to find that it gives access to the Internet. How was I to know? I am 54, for Pete’s sake, and do not even remember seeing a computer until after I graduated from college.

Perhaps this Christmas you are planning to gift your children with some of this new technology. If you are not entirely sure what’s in the package you are giving, you need to find out. David Clark has worked with the Internet for three decades and cares deeply about the hearts of our children. In You, Your Family and the Internet he demystifies the Internet, calling it “a very fast and powerful communications system.”

The internet is a media revolution that rivals the printing press. And like a chainsaw, it can give life or take it.

Taking Life — the Dangers.

In Kimberley, Western Australia, there are saltwater crocodiles that are “huge, territorial and aggressive”. Would you send Johnny and Sally off for swimming lessons without knowing that the water is safe? Clark discusses addictions such as email, internet games, gambling and pornography. Do not dismiss the warnings. Do not naively assume that your children could never become addicted to pornography, gaming or online gambling. Know the territory and be wise.

Clark gives some practical ways to protect our children:

• Protect the computer. Have an up-to-date antivirus program on each computer and the firewall switched on. This protects the computer from strangers uploading noxious things onto it.
• Install a family filter. For example, Covenant Eyes, Net Nanny, SafeEyes or Blue Coat can be installed to filter out pornography. There are also software such as X3Watch which sets up accountability with other believers.
• Keep away. In keeping with Christ’s admonition to cut out your right eye if it causes you to sin, some should stay away from computers. At the very least, restrict online access in private places such as bedrooms.

In addition to Clark’s technological expertise, he offers some solid principles for internet use.

• Be realistic about your own strengths and weakness and those of your children.
• Be disciplined. Self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit and should be increasing as we mature in our faith.
• Be structured. Do not allow the internet to seep into every part of your family life. Give it boundaries.
• Be prepared for battle. This tool has not been given for our endless entertainment. It can be a powerful ally for spiritual growth and the spreading of the gospel.

Giving Life — Think Big for God’s Glory

Paul used Roman roads to spread the good news in the first century; we now have “a far more extensive and immediate network of connections.” We can now reach most of the world with God’s glorious truth. We can skype with missionaries and research about the countries where they live. We have resources available for growing in grace. Go dream.

The Antidote to Temptation — The Satisfying Love of Jesus

The use of the internet has everything to do with our affections. We all need something to love. Telling an addict that gaming is unhealthy is like telling a starving man not to go dumpster diving. But invite the starving man to a banquet, and he will come. Let’s plead with God to fully capture our hearts and those of our children. If we are smitten with the beauty of Christ, we will not feel bereft at parting with worldly pleasures.

Thanks, David Clark for an important little book. Next time I go to buy a phone there will be fewer surprises when I bring it home.

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