The Open Heaven 21 August 2025 devotional for today is TECHNOLOGY CANNOT TRAIN THEM.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 21 AUGUST 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY CANNOT TRAIN THEM
MEMORISE:
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
READ: Proverbs 29:15
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 21 AUGUST 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
Thank God we can reach countless people around the world with the gospel through various technological devices and the internet.
However, just as we are reaching many people with the gospel using technology, the devil is also using the same technology to reach people, including children. Many children now have access to pornographic sites through phones and tablets, and paedophiles manipulate children into immoral affairs through the internet. This is why, as good as technology is, parents cannot depend on it solely when it comes to raising their children.
When I was younger and there were no computers nor access to calculators, people had to do arithmetic by themselves.
Nowadays, a lot of the younger generation cannot even calculate how much they are going to pay at a counter unless they use a calculator. If you are a parent, train your children not to overly rely on technology. Train them to do some things by themselves, and this will further enhance their natural abilities.
These days, some children find it very difficult to relate properly with people they meet physically because they have become addicted to relating with people online. Also, some young children do not greet other people because they are always wearing headphones and engaging with their electronic devices.
You must not allow technology to make your children socially deficient or emotionally handicapped. You must ensure that you encourage them to develop their natural gifts and talents while also teaching them to interact properly with the world around them.
It is really sad that some children are bullied online and are plunged into depression because of what someone online said to them.
Parents must be vigilant. They shouldn’t depend on technology to keep their children occupied when they don’t want to be bothered; they just might be handing them over to the devil. Don’t delegate your children’s training and upbringing to technology.
If you don’t know what your children are doing on their electronic devices at every instance, then you are depending on technology to train them for you, and trust me, technology was not developed to be a godly parent. Today’s memory verse says that you should train a child in the way he or she should go. Do the apps your children engage with daily know the way they should go?
Parents, spend time with your children and train them yourself. I pray that God will protect all our children from the devil’s agenda to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), in Jesus’ name.
OPEN HEAVEN 21 AUGUST KEY POINT
Parents should spend quality time with their children and be mindful of what they have access to through technology.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Jeremiah 51-52
HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 21 AUGUST 2025 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse establishes parental responsibility as primary—not delegable to technology, teachers, or trends.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 29:15
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
This text warns against technological absentee parenting, emphasizing:
- Active discipline (“rod and reproof”)
- Dire consequences of neglect (“bringeth shame”)
The Digital Parenting Crisis
Daddy Adeboye sounds an urgent alarm about four modern dangers:
1. The Pornography Pandemic
- Statistics:
- Average age of first exposure: 8 years old
- 70% of children accidentally encounter porn online
- Spiritual Solution:
- Install covenant filters (e.g., Psalm 101:3)
- Create device-free zones/times (e.g., family meals)
2. Calculated Dependence
| Skill | Then | Now | Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | Mental arithmetic | Calculator apps | Atrophied problem-solving |
| Socialization | Face-to-face | Emojis/DMs | Emotional illiteracy |
| Focus | Sustained attention | 15-second reels | ADHD tendencies |
Antidote:
- Daily “Analog Hours”:
- Board games for strategy
- Cash transactions for math practice
- Nature walks for observation skills
3. Headphone Isolation
- Symptoms:
- No eye contact
- Mumbled greetings
- Zero situational awareness
- Training:
- “5-Foot Rule”: Remove headphones within 5 feet of people
- “Grandparent Test”: Can they converse with elders?
4. Cyberbullying Trauma
- Warning Signs:
- Sudden device avoidance
- Grades dropping
- Sleep disturbances
- Biblical Response:
- Psalm 27:1-3 prayers over devices
- Weekly “Heart Checks” (Proverbs 20:5)
Action Plan for Godly Parenting
1. Technology Covenants
- Device Dedication: Anoint tablets/phones with oil, praying:
“As for me and this device, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) - Usage Contracts: Signed agreements outlining:
- Time limits
- Approved apps
- Penalties for violations
2. Skill-Building Alternatives
- Replace:
- YouTube with family Bible dramas
- Video games with chess/scripture memory games
- Social media with service projects
3. Digital Discernment Drills
- Spot the Trap: Show kids how to identify:
- Predatory chat tactics
- Hidden occult symbols in games
- Secular worldview in “harmless” shows
Prayer for Technological Wisdom
“Father, make me a watchman-parent! Where screens compete for my child’s soul, equip me to wage spiritual warfare. Give me Joseph’s vigilance to spot danger, David’s courage to confront giants, and Solomon’s wisdom to train warriors for Christ, in Jesus’ name!”
Action Steps
- Device Audit Today:
- Check browser histories
- Review installed apps together
- Launch “Family Tech Fast”:
- 1 device-free day weekly
- Replace with:
- Scripture recitals
- Talent showcases
- Neighborhood evangelism
- Create “God-First” Devices:
- Set Bible apps as default
- Program worship playlists
- Use Christian wallpapers (e.g., Isaiah 54:17)
Conclusion: Raising Analog Saints in a Digital Age
Daddy Adeboye’s warning is clear: Technology makes a terrible parent but a useful tool—when mastered by the godly.
“Your child’s soul is worth more than 1,000 iPhones. Parent like heaven’s gates depend on it—because they do.”
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