THERE is no doubt about this. For us to feel the need for conversion, which is actually a constant need for us since we cannot help but fall into some sin, one way or another, we need to have faith.

This truth about us was highlighted in that gospel episode where Christ told a crowd that “this generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” (cfr. Lk 11,29-32)

Then he proceeded to say that the men of Nineveh repented because they believed in the preaching of Jonah. The underlying logic Christ tried to impart to the crowd was that people repent and feel the need for conversion because they are moved by their faith. Those who have no faith would not feel the need for conversion.

We really need to train our mind and heart to be filled with faith, with our belief in God, in his mercy as shown by Christ, so that we can always feel the need for conversion and penance. When our thoughts and intentions are simply driven by natural motives, and not by faith, the need for conversion would hardly be felt. And if ever we feel some need for it, such desire for conversion would not go all the way.

Let us remember that as persons, we move and act according to what we think and intend to do. If our thoughts and intentions are simply shaped by what we feel, what we see and hear, etc., with hardly any reference to our faith, to what God wants us to do and to be, then we would only be contented with natural goals, not to mention, the infranatural ones to which we are very prone.

The need to be with God, to be his image and likeness, which God wants us to be, would not be felt. We would not feel the need to pursue a spiritual and supernatural goal that is actually meant for us. We can only pursue that goal if we have faith, a faith which would unavoidably require us to have some conversion.

We should therefore try our best to develop an operative faith. Our faith should not remain only in the theoretical, intellectual level. It has to be a functioning one, giving shape and direction to our thoughts and intentions, our words and deeds. In fact, it should shape our whole life.

The ideal is that we should feel it immediately. Indeed, it should be like an instinct such that whatever we think, say or do, or whenever we have to react to something, it is our faith that should guide us.

We have to understand that it is our faith that gives us the global picture of things, since it is God’s gift to us, a gratuitous sharing of what God knows about himself and about the whole of creation. It is meant for our own good, for us to live out our true dignity as children of God.

It is a kind of knowledge that will lead us to our eternal life. It will make us relate everything in our earthly life, both the good and the bad, to this ultimate goal in life which is to be in heaven with God, a state that is supernatural. But it is a divine gift that we need to take care of. It is like a seed that has to grow until it becomes a big tree that bears fruit.

Common knowledge can tell modern-day gadgets could augment one’s social status since they symbolize hi-tech lifeways; their absence causes one to be “outdated”. Users of gadgets excel in exploring digital information. This is because computerized gadgets facilitate searches for any information and the sharing of the same. The convenient strategy in searching for information helps users improve their search and methods of sharing information. Depending on “the level of ownership and usage”, gadgets can be utilized in a “more sophisticated and dynamic manner”.

Indeed, electronic software like tablets, iPads, and smartphones can perform amazing functions in various ways such as storing data, taking pictures or recording videos, sharing information, document writing, internet surfing, and many more. The various applications of these technological devices enable users to communicate, socialize, and do many other activities. But while these gadgets prove useful for personal ends, social interactions, and entertainment, they have disadvantages for younger users who have developed some kind of dependence upon them, as though they can’t live life without them. Not only that, but these youngsters spend much of their time each day on gadgets, wasting it thus instead of using time wisely and productively.

Many of our children and young people have become gadget addicts as evidenced by their dependence on, and inability to part from, these items. Their prolonged and frequent use of gadgets, especially for emotional support, are signs of gadget addiction. This inability to regulate and use the gadgets moderately causes a behavioral problem, resulting in a stunted and abnormal lifestyle. Such gadget addiction further makes a person compulsive, obsessed, and unable to manage daily activities and live a normal life. The worst part is that, when the functions of daily life are affected, that means there is an emotional disturbance and disorientation—this, in short, is a mental problem.

Aside from their inability to control, conceal, and limit gadget use, gadget addicts also show symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Gadget users who attempt to regulate and reduce usage frequency eventually suffer from mental problems, and their failure to control the excessive use of gadgets causes them to experience the symptoms of anger, tiredness, restlessness, and extreme emotions, especially if they fail to surf the Internet. And the culprits causing this serious gadget addiction are the increasing number of social communication apps like WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram, and soc-med applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as online and digital games.

The prevalent gadget use will for sure heighten addiction and dependency on the part of our kids, thus affecting their lifestyle and future. Although studies show that gadgets are extremely useful when utilized properly and productively, using them otherwise is harmful to our youths unless some antidotes and alternatives are introduced. Some such alternatives to gadgets have been recommended by experts, but not much is done to reintroduce indigenous toys as items that could divert their attention from addictive gadgetry, hence this article.