Technology has the amazing capability of connecting us to people we may otherwise never have met, but it also has the potential to tear us away from those who are closest to us.

Just like with most things, there is such a thing as being too connected. Technology is meant to enhance communication and make certain tasks easier. It is not meant to take the place of personal contact and fill every empty second of our day.

When used correctly, technology can be an immense time saver and communication tool; but when abused it can be a huge time waster and give us a false sense of being connected to friends, family and acquaintances.

Many an argument has been started when one party feels that another is too attached to their cell phone, iPad, computer, etc.

We must be careful that the ease of technology does not take precedence over our real life relationships and obligations. Keeping our priorities in line can be difficult, but it is imperative to leading a healthy and productive life; the kind of life that we are called to lead as Christian individuals.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. —1 John 2:15-17, KJV

Our time must be spent in a manner that is productive and righteous. Our actions should reflect the love that we have for our faith, our God, our neighbors and the life that we have been given. When we devote too much time to technology, we become disconnected to the outside world.

We are meant to lead lives full of emotion and human contact. We are called to reach out to others and share the blessings that we have most graciously been given. If we bury ourselves behind screens and wires, we lose out on more personal and intimate interactions with our fellow brothers and sisters.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. —Colossians 4:5

The lives we have been given are fleeting. They are gone in the blink of an eye. Tomorrow is never promised and today is a gift. Keeping track of schedules and calendars, connecting with people in faraway places and keeping up with news and events is a great use of time … as long as it does not consume us.

Using technology as an enhancer and time saver is exactly what technology is meant to do. Having it consume us to the point that it draws our focus and attention away from what it truly important is exactly the opposite of what technology is meant to be used for.

Technological advancements can and should be embraced and utilized, we must, however, remain wise with regards to how much time we spend in the cyber world. Time spent in prayer, time spent with loved ones and time spent reflecting on our personal lives should never be forgotten.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. —Ephesians 5:15-17