Overcoming The Unimaginable Temptation of Modernity
As you browse through a threads on X you are unexpectedly inundated with explicit sexual content. Scrolling through your Facebook feed you stumble upon AI-generated images of partially clothed celebrities and Reels showcasing women in bikinis performing TikTok dances. Even a simple drive down the road presents an array of billboards featuring scantily dressed women peddling various products. Upon entering the grocery store, you are confronted with an overwhelming selection of high-calorie foods laden with addictive sugars and processed ingredients. With just a few taps on the glass screen in your hand, you can instantly access a plethora of temptations, including pride, lust, envy, and countless others.
The great spiritual battle of our day is the unimaginable temptation of modernity.
It is not uncommon to see more naked bodies under a typical post on X (formerly known as Twitter) than our great-grandfathers would have seen in their entire lives. This constant exposure to such material is designed to desensitize us, leading to a weakening of our moral compass and an erosion of our commitment to purity and holiness. You see stuff like this so often and all around you that it becomes the “norm” and you shrug it off, but deep down we all know it’s not the norm—it’s grotesque.
We ban p*rnographic content on Gab and have worked diligently over the years to see to it that it has no place in our community. This is one of the many reasons that Christians love Gab and over the past year we've seen many leave X and come to Gab because of the sheer volume of explicit content that is unavoidable on X.
As Christians, we must remember that no amount of temptation is too great for our Lord to overcome. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
So, how can we overcome the immense temptation we face in today’s digital age? The answer is simple: flee from it. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul encourages Timothy to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
This means actively avoiding situations and content that can lead to temptation. It may require setting boundaries on our use of technology, such as limiting our time on social media or using content filters to block explicit material. It could also involve surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who can encourage and support us in our pursuit of purity and holiness.
In addition to fleeing from temptation, we must also cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord. By spending time in prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and engaging in regular fellowship with other believers, we can strengthen our spiritual foundation and better resist the allure of worldly temptations.
It is crucial to remember that we are not alone in our struggle against temptation. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. By sharing our struggles and seeking accountability from our fellow believers, we can find the strength and courage to overcome even the most formidable of temptations.
As a parent, navigating the temptations of modernity can be a daunting task. The world we live in today is filled with distractions, vices, and unhealthy influences that can have a profound impact on the development and well-being of our children. It is our responsibility as parents to guide and protect our children, helping them to make wise choices and resist the allure of worldly temptations. One of the most significant challenges we face as parents is the prevalence of technology in our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to video games and social media, our children are constantly exposed to a wealth of information and entertainment that can be both beneficial and detrimental to their development.
To navigate this challenge, it is essential to set clear boundaries and establish healthy habits around technology use. This may involve setting limits on screen time, monitoring the content our children consume, and encouraging them to engage in more wholesome activities such as reading, playing outdoors, or spending time with family and friends.
Another area where parents must be vigilant is in the realm of consumerism and materialism.
The constant barrage of advertising and marketing messages can create a culture of excess and consumerism that can be detrimental to our children’s sense of contentment and well-being. As parents, it is our responsibility to model healthy attitudes towards material possessions and to teach our children the value of gratitude, generosity, and contentment.
Finally, as our children grow and mature, they will inevitably face their own personal struggles and temptations. Whether it is the temptation to engage in unhealthy behaviors, to give in to peer pressure, or to pursue worldly desires, our role as parents is to be a steady and loving presence in their lives, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of life.
Being a parent in today’s world requires a great deal of wisdom, patience, and perseverance. By setting clear boundaries, modeling healthy behaviors, and offering love and support, we can help our children to navigate the temptations of modernity and grow into strong, resilient, and compassionate people.
The amount of temptation that people face today is truly unimaginable. The digital age has brought about a level of exposure to worldly content that our ancestors could never have fathomed. However, as Christians, we must remember that our Lord is greater than any temptation we may face. By fleeing from temptation, cultivating a strong relationship with God, and seeking support from our fellow believers, we can overcome the challenges of this digital age and grow in our pursuit of purity and holiness.
Lord have mercy and be with us.
Andrew Torba
Christ is King
