The Information Age and the Holy Spirit

Have you ever felt powerless? Nothing you say or do is ever sustainable in this very complicated and saturated world, especially in this technology age—or what I like to call the TMI age. The “too much information” age. 

Seeking power and turning to the Internet for solutions is a double-edged sword. While the Internet can be a helpful source of information, a modern way to learn, share, and preach the gospel, it can also lead to instant confusion and leave us feeling more powerless than before.

The rage of TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram videos preaching, “This is how to find, follow, and feel God”, messages has skyrocketed. It is not as prevalent as the messaging from the secular pop culture world, but it has a presence now. That’s the good side of the sword. The other side has dangerously sharp edges cutting into the Spirit, soul, and bodies of its users daily, detouring our holy centering and conforming our minds to an unhealthy realm of worldly views. 

Its dichotomy is exhausting. 

“What is the solution? Should we completely avoid using the Internet?”

While some people choose to do so, it may not be practical for everyone. For some individuals, staying off the Internet could mean losing their jobs, essential family connections, and educational opportunities. Not having access to the Internet can make it challenging to find good places to eat or travel. 

But what if I told you that you don’t need external technology to have spiritual power? What if I told you that the Holy Spirit within you is a gift, a present of divine intercession that can be accessed 24/7? The Holy Spirit can connect you to God’s will for your benefit and empower you in ways you never thought possible. And no wi-fi, charger, or screen is necessary.

As John 14:26 (NIV) “But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

When the disciples needed instant access to Godly information to further the Great Commission, they sought answers directly from Jesus.

In Acts 1:6-8 (NIV) Luke shares,

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Unlike Google, Jesus shut it down and said, it’s not your business right now. When the time is right, the Holy Spirit will provide. 

As a devout churchgoer for many decades, I have struggled to understand and make the most of the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, it was only recently that I had a revelation about His accessibility and authenticity. Just as the air we breathe is easily accessible yet vital for survival, the Holy Spirit is equally powerful and accessible to us.

I now can attest that true living power comes from the Holy Spirit, the gift left to us by Jesus Christ Himself for those willing to accept him as their Lord and Savior. It is an extension of his love, filled with terabytes of guidance on how we can function well on planet Earth. 

We should make a daily effort to read the Word of God, as it is critical in our walks with Christ. However, the Holy Spirit is meant to work in accordance with the Holy Bible and not replace it. The Holy Spirit is the intercessor, advocate, teacher, and ultimate internal source of information who will keep us growing in Faith, Hope, and Love. His word is the sword of the Spirit to help remind us of his power & promises as our ultimate protector of truth and anything that goes against us. Romans 8:31 (NIV).

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

I believe God knew this technological age would throw things off course a bit, but He also knew how to prepare and provide for such a time as this.   

Don’t let the world’s overwhelming nature bring you down. Use the Internet wisely, always tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit within you to wisely navigate the information it offers. 

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“