Is personal obsession sinful?

on May 9, 2026

Man pulling cross and pride. A man struggles to both carry the cross and pull a heavy stone. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: We are learning more and more about the dangers of social media. Technology has provided a microphone and platform to anyone who wants it, and listeners tap in at all times of the day and night. Obsession is real, stealing time. Is personal obsession sinful, and if so, how does the Bible actually address this subject? – M.I.

A: Obsessing about “self” is destructive, and pride is a universal problem. Scripture tells us that the Lord hates six things, and one of those is pride (see Proverbs 6:16-19). This is perhaps the greatest sin because it seems to lead to all others. Pride was Satan’s obsessive sin.

There is always good and bad to every form of new technology. Wisdom and self-discipline are needed when using the technology of the day, just as it was when television came into existence. We must always be on guard about what we allow ourselves to look at, listen to, and dwell on.

The Bible says, “For [people] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient … , unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:2-4, NKJV). This is most certainly a daunting list, and it is only a partial list at that!

If we are to live above the clouds, the sin of pride will have to be confessed and forsaken. It is deadlier than the poison of a rattlesnake. It stunts, stifles, weakens, and destroys Christian victory. Pride (notice the “i” in the middle) comes from looking only at ourselves; meekness comes through looking at God. “All that it is in the world … – the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)