Community Quote by Tim Challies
““By giving us control, our new technologies tend to enhance existing idols in our lives. Instead of becoming more like Christ through the forming and shaping influence of the church community, we form, and shape, and personalize our community to make it more like us. We take control of things that are not ours to control. Could it be that our desire for control is short-circuiting the process of change and transformation God wants us to experience through the mess of real world, flesh and blood, face-to-face relationships?””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “Control and Community”, Tim Challies, 2020
The desire for personal control over technology can replace communal, spiritual growth, hindering authentic transformation through real relationships.
In simple terms: Seeking control may block genuine change and community.
Key Takeaway
Balance technology use with humility and relational openness.
Themes
control
technology
community
spiritual growth
authenticity
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church fellowship
- online social media use
- personal tech habits
- leadership decisions
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
individualism
idolatry
transformation
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does technology shape your sense of community?
- What steps can you take to let go of control in relationships?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on control can lead to isolation and neglect of divine guidance.
![“The social [media channel] isn't about beauty contests and popularity contests. They're a distortion, a caricature of the real thing. It's about trust, connection, and community. That's what there's too little of in today's mediascape, despite all the hoopla surrounding social tools. The promise…” quote by Umair Haque](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c85/umair-haque-25881_beauty_the-social-media-channel-isn-t-about-bea_1270.jpg)
