Sermon / Article
COMPUTER, THE INTERNET AND THE MODERN WORLD
By Tommy Lalsangkima
13 Aug 2026
As the world continues to develop, knowledge and wisdom continue to increase. The emergence of computers and the Internet has greatly changed the way we live, work, and communicate with the people around us. These technologies have transformed countless industries, from education and healthcare to entertainment and commerce. In this article, we will explore the profound impact that computers and the Internet have on the modern world and also consider what the Bible says about these developments.
We believe that the Bible tells us that knowledge and wisdom will continue to increase until the end of the world. Ecclesiastes 1:18 says, “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” I believe this is very true. As knowledge continues to increase, we are experiencing more and more difficulties. In the past, people used to say that they walked long distances on foot to attend meetings. Today, however, we hardly even consider walking as a means of travelling, because everyone is already so busy. Even in the activities of the Church, unless we make them a priority and are determined not to abandon them, we sometimes find it difficult to participate fully. If we ask, “Who is not busy?” there would be very few people who could say that they are not. The increase of knowledge and information has increased our workload and also multiplied our worries. We also see in Daniel 12:4 that knowledge will increase. Before the end of the world comes, knowledge and wisdom will continue to increase. While we are saying that we are living in the computer age, we have suddenly arrived at the age of Artificial Intelligence!
Around the 1600s, the word “computer” was used to refer to a person who was skilled in arithmetic—in Mizo, we could simply say chhiarkawp—and who was good at calculating or performing calculations quickly. At that time, the word was not normally used to refer to a machine. However, as new things and inventions continued to emerge, by the time we entered the 19th century, the word “computer” gradually came to refer to a machine capable of performing calculations. The Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine were among the earliest mechanical computers. Apart from humans who were called “computers,” these machines became some of the earliest things to be called computers.
As we entered the 21st century, there came to be many things that could be called computers. A computer is commonly described as something that can receive input, process it, and provide output. Therefore, desktop computers, laptops, palmtop computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and even calculators can all be considered computers.
Therefore, the smartphone, which we carry around with us and use more than almost anything else, has itself become a computer. In other words, we are constantly carrying a computer in our hands.
Around the 1960s, the Internet emerged from a research project funded by the United States Government. In its early days, it was developed mainly for military and educational purposes. Gradually, the Internet began to be used effectively for business and personal purposes as well. Today, it has become such an integral part of our lives that we no longer need to explain what it means. Even people who may not fully understand how it works use it very effectively. Without an Internet connection, we can hardly carry out many of our tasks anymore. Almost every system we use is gradually becoming dependent on the Internet.
When we read the Book of Proverbs, we can see how King Solomon sought wisdom and how highly he valued it. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” King Solomon sought wisdom and considered knowledge to be extremely valuable. He also reminded us that knowledge can be used for both good and evil. The digital world has given us a great deal of knowledge and information that people in the past did not have. Therefore, we need to learn how to use it wisely and effectively.
Because we now carry computers in our hands, the social media that comes with the Internet has occupied a significant place in our lives. Social media has become closely connected with our daily lives. It is important and highly useful to almost everyone. However, we must also understand both its advantages and disadvantages. Social media can make life more enjoyable. We can quickly see the things that interest us, and it is extremely useful for sharing and receiving information. Students and others can make very effective use of it for various purposes.
In the Church, among the various social media platforms, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used. The Church makes very effective use of it for sharing information. We use it for calling committee meetings, announcing committee decisions, informing members about Church programmes and gatherings, and for many other purposes. However, it is very important that we learn to use it appropriately. Since we are increasingly using it officially, understanding social media etiquette has become very important.
Social media etiquette is essential for maintaining a positive and respectful environment, especially in Church WhatsApp groups. It is very important that we avoid behaviours that could create division among Church members. Communicating with respect helps to create mutual understanding. We should make every effort to avoid criticizing our fellow workers in the Church or attacking individuals personally. Speaking respectfully and humbly on social media can help build better relationships. Let us therefore strive to improve ourselves in this area.
We must be extremely careful because posting inappropriate topics or raising unnecessary issues can damage the image of the Church and can even create discouragement and dissatisfaction among Church members. Therefore, Church WhatsApp Group Admins have a very important responsibility in safeguarding and managing the members of their groups. Furthermore, since these are Church WhatsApp groups, it is important that the Admins themselves are Church leaders. For example, if there are separate groups for the Church Board, PYD, LAD, and PMD, the group Admin should ideally be an actual leader who is willing to take responsibility. In that way, whenever a harmful or inappropriate post appears that could negatively affect the Church, the Admin can take the necessary action to prevent it from spreading.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). In the same way, the way we live and conduct ourselves is very important in making the Gospel of Christ beautiful and honourable.
When we read Genesis 11, we find that all the people had one language. Because they wanted to make a name for themselves in the plain of Shinar, they attempted to build a city and a tower reaching toward heaven. However, because God did not approve of their actions, He confused their language and scattered them, and the place was called Babel. In modern terms, we could say that they were unable to complete their very ambitious project. From this account, we can learn that human beings cannot simply act as though they are independent and all-powerful. We can certainly learn the danger of pride and self-exaltation from this event.
The Digital Revolution has had a profound impact on the way we spend our daily lives. It has also brought us many benefits and useful opportunities. Through the Holy Word of God, we can overcome the various challenges that may arise. We can use this technology in our service to God and to our fellow human beings. However, we must remember that merely remaining in the comfort of technology without abiding in the One who gives us true rest and direction is not enough. Therefore, with great caution, let us once again encourage ourselves to use these technologies wisely and responsibly.
May the Lord bless us all. Amen.
We believe that the Bible tells us that knowledge and wisdom will continue to increase until the end of the world. Ecclesiastes 1:18 says, “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” I believe this is very true. As knowledge continues to increase, we are experiencing more and more difficulties. In the past, people used to say that they walked long distances on foot to attend meetings. Today, however, we hardly even consider walking as a means of travelling, because everyone is already so busy. Even in the activities of the Church, unless we make them a priority and are determined not to abandon them, we sometimes find it difficult to participate fully. If we ask, “Who is not busy?” there would be very few people who could say that they are not. The increase of knowledge and information has increased our workload and also multiplied our worries. We also see in Daniel 12:4 that knowledge will increase. Before the end of the world comes, knowledge and wisdom will continue to increase. While we are saying that we are living in the computer age, we have suddenly arrived at the age of Artificial Intelligence!
Around the 1600s, the word “computer” was used to refer to a person who was skilled in arithmetic—in Mizo, we could simply say chhiarkawp—and who was good at calculating or performing calculations quickly. At that time, the word was not normally used to refer to a machine. However, as new things and inventions continued to emerge, by the time we entered the 19th century, the word “computer” gradually came to refer to a machine capable of performing calculations. The Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine were among the earliest mechanical computers. Apart from humans who were called “computers,” these machines became some of the earliest things to be called computers.
As we entered the 21st century, there came to be many things that could be called computers. A computer is commonly described as something that can receive input, process it, and provide output. Therefore, desktop computers, laptops, palmtop computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and even calculators can all be considered computers.
Therefore, the smartphone, which we carry around with us and use more than almost anything else, has itself become a computer. In other words, we are constantly carrying a computer in our hands.
Around the 1960s, the Internet emerged from a research project funded by the United States Government. In its early days, it was developed mainly for military and educational purposes. Gradually, the Internet began to be used effectively for business and personal purposes as well. Today, it has become such an integral part of our lives that we no longer need to explain what it means. Even people who may not fully understand how it works use it very effectively. Without an Internet connection, we can hardly carry out many of our tasks anymore. Almost every system we use is gradually becoming dependent on the Internet.
When we read the Book of Proverbs, we can see how King Solomon sought wisdom and how highly he valued it. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” King Solomon sought wisdom and considered knowledge to be extremely valuable. He also reminded us that knowledge can be used for both good and evil. The digital world has given us a great deal of knowledge and information that people in the past did not have. Therefore, we need to learn how to use it wisely and effectively.
Because we now carry computers in our hands, the social media that comes with the Internet has occupied a significant place in our lives. Social media has become closely connected with our daily lives. It is important and highly useful to almost everyone. However, we must also understand both its advantages and disadvantages. Social media can make life more enjoyable. We can quickly see the things that interest us, and it is extremely useful for sharing and receiving information. Students and others can make very effective use of it for various purposes.
In the Church, among the various social media platforms, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used. The Church makes very effective use of it for sharing information. We use it for calling committee meetings, announcing committee decisions, informing members about Church programmes and gatherings, and for many other purposes. However, it is very important that we learn to use it appropriately. Since we are increasingly using it officially, understanding social media etiquette has become very important.
Social media etiquette is essential for maintaining a positive and respectful environment, especially in Church WhatsApp groups. It is very important that we avoid behaviours that could create division among Church members. Communicating with respect helps to create mutual understanding. We should make every effort to avoid criticizing our fellow workers in the Church or attacking individuals personally. Speaking respectfully and humbly on social media can help build better relationships. Let us therefore strive to improve ourselves in this area.
We must be extremely careful because posting inappropriate topics or raising unnecessary issues can damage the image of the Church and can even create discouragement and dissatisfaction among Church members. Therefore, Church WhatsApp Group Admins have a very important responsibility in safeguarding and managing the members of their groups. Furthermore, since these are Church WhatsApp groups, it is important that the Admins themselves are Church leaders. For example, if there are separate groups for the Church Board, PYD, LAD, and PMD, the group Admin should ideally be an actual leader who is willing to take responsibility. In that way, whenever a harmful or inappropriate post appears that could negatively affect the Church, the Admin can take the necessary action to prevent it from spreading.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). In the same way, the way we live and conduct ourselves is very important in making the Gospel of Christ beautiful and honourable.
When we read Genesis 11, we find that all the people had one language. Because they wanted to make a name for themselves in the plain of Shinar, they attempted to build a city and a tower reaching toward heaven. However, because God did not approve of their actions, He confused their language and scattered them, and the place was called Babel. In modern terms, we could say that they were unable to complete their very ambitious project. From this account, we can learn that human beings cannot simply act as though they are independent and all-powerful. We can certainly learn the danger of pride and self-exaltation from this event.
The Digital Revolution has had a profound impact on the way we spend our daily lives. It has also brought us many benefits and useful opportunities. Through the Holy Word of God, we can overcome the various challenges that may arise. We can use this technology in our service to God and to our fellow human beings. However, we must remember that merely remaining in the comfort of technology without abiding in the One who gives us true rest and direction is not enough. Therefore, with great caution, let us once again encourage ourselves to use these technologies wisely and responsibly.
May the Lord bless us all. Amen.