Tech & Parenting Wisdom
Technology is all around us. It’s how we communicate, work, learn, and even play. But as we dive deeper into this digital age, families everywhere are left wondering—how do we use technology well? What boundaries should we set? How do we guide our children when the tech world is moving faster than we can keep up?
In our Diving Deeper conversation with Pastor William, we unpacked these very questions, exploring how families can grow in wisdom and stewardship when it comes to technology.
The Ever-Evolving Digital World
Technology itself isn’t evil. At its core, it’s part of the created order—things that God has allowed us to discover and use. From smartphones to AI, we’re simply learning how to engage with the world in new ways. But as with anything in a post-Fall world, our sin nature complicates things. What begins as a gift from God can easily become a snare when we use it unwisely.
We’ve seen it with children and adults alike. A child picks up a toy block, figures out how it works, and before long is tempted to throw it for entertainment—even at a sibling. That same curiosity and intelligence can lead to blessing or harm. The same is true for our use of technology. A smartphone can be a tool for education and connection, or it can become a distraction from real life and relationships.
So, what’s the difference? Wisdom.
The Parent’s Role: From Knowledge to Wisdom
Scripture constantly points to the role of parents in training their children—not just in what they know but in how they live. Wisdom, as Pastor William reminded us, is the proper application of knowledge. It’s not just about understanding how something works, but knowing how to use it in a way that honors God and blesses others.
That’s where parents step in.
Your role isn’t to have all the answers or to be tech geniuses. It’s to model wisdom. It’s to help your children learn to think carefully, to consider how their time and attention are spent, and to recognize the dangers that lie beneath the surface of convenience and entertainment.
And that starts with you.
We can’t expect our kids to exercise discipline if we aren’t doing the same. If we’re glued to our phones, spending hours scrolling or numbing out, we’re teaching more through our actions than we ever could with words. As Scripture says:
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
— Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
We train not just through rules but through relationship and example.
Boundaries Are a Blessing
Some parents worry about setting boundaries. Will I be too strict? Too outdated? But biblical wisdom shows us that boundaries aren’t limitations—they’re protections. They’re like fences that help children flourish safely.
God gave Adam and Eve a boundary in the garden—not to restrict joy, but to guard life. In the same way, parents are called to set up wise boundaries around tech: screen time limits, age-appropriate content, and seasons without devices.
Not out of fear, but out of love.
Even more, parents must be willing to reflect, repent, and adjust as they go. As Pastor William shared, part of wisdom is recognizing what you don’t know and being open to course-correction. That kind of humility creates a safe, grace-filled home where kids can grow—not in shame, but in godly confidence.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
— Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV)
It’s Okay to Struggle
One of the most beautiful parts of our conversation was the reminder that it’s good to struggle with this. In fact, that inner tension is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work. Just like Paul in Romans 7, we battle between flesh and spirit. That tension means we’re fighting the good fight.
If you feel the tug between wanting to scroll on your phone and the call to read Scripture, you’re not failing. You’re growing. God is forming you. And that struggle is what helps you lead your family with authenticity and hope.
“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! … There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 7:25 & 8:1 (ESV)
Two Major Takeaways:
Wisdom, Not Rules, Leads the Way: While rules are useful, they aren’t a substitute for wisdom. As parents, the goal isn’t just to manage tech, but to teach your children how to think about it. Wisdom helps them make godly choices even when you’re not around.
Struggle Means Growth: If you feel tension navigating technology, that’s not a sign of defeat—it’s evidence that God is at work in you. Embrace the struggle as a sacred space for growth, grace, and dependence on Christ.
Check out the whole conversation here!
Let’s be the families who use technology to build up, not tear down. Who model grace in failure, courage in boundary-setting, and wisdom in how we engage with the world around us.
And in all things, may we remember—God is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
