Q: How can I know if it’s time for me to change churches? The one I’ve been going to for the last few years doesn’t have any community service projects that I can get involved in, which is something I’d really like to do now that I’m retired. — Mrs. L.F.

A: I’m grateful you want to help others in your community; far too many people assume their usefulness is over once they retire. But it doesn’t need to be that way; some of God’s choicest servants made their greatest impact later in life. Moses (for example) was 80 when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

I don’t know whether or not you should seek another church home — but God does, and I urge you to pray about this decision and seek His will. As you consider this, however, I hope you’ll keep two things in mind. First, no church is perfect. Some people seem to spend their lives looking for one that is — but they never find it, because it doesn’t exist this side of heaven!

Second, don’t overlook the good points in your present church. Is the Bible honored as God’s Word, and is it preached and taught? Does your church provide other opportunities for your spiritual growth? In other words, don’t focus only on the church’s shortcomings, but also on its strengths. And are you taking advantage of them?

In addition, don’t overlook the possibility that God may want to use you to start a community service project of some type in your present church. It not only could fulfill your desires, but also help others to put their faith into action. The Bible says, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right” (James 2:8).

Q: Who do you think is behind the Internet — God or the devil? I wonder about this sometimes, because it seems like there’s so much trash (and even evil) on the Internet. I know I waste too much time looking at it when I should be doing something worthwhile. — Mrs. K.C.

A: God gave us the ability to create new things, and human beings have used that God-given ability to develop the Internet (as well as every other technological and scientific advance we enjoy today). Creativity is one of God’s greatest gifts to us — and also one of the most overlooked.

But the Internet is like virtually every other invention or scientific development: It can be used both for good and for evil. And behind the scenes, I’m sure Satan and his associates are working overtime, trying to find new ways to use it for evil. Sometimes his work is very open and obvious, using the Internet for pornography or other immoral purposes. Sometimes his work is less obvious, such as distracting us from God and His will.

But God is also using the Internet today — sometimes in remarkable ways. Our own organization has seen thousands of people commit their lives to Christ or grow in their faith through www.billygraham.org). Evangelism by means of the Internet is even reaching parts of the world that are otherwise closed to the Gospel. Jesus’ words have taken on new significance: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world... and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

Don’t let anything — including the Internet — control your life or turn you away from God. Instead, ask God to help you be faithful to Christ, living “without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15).

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.