Our Own Devices

8/16/2023

Written By: April Mills

I recently read an article that stated the average amount of time that internet users between ages 16 to 64 spend on social media each day was 151 minutes, or roughly two and a half hours. I thought, “Surely this is a huge exaggeration”.

I was skeptical until I checked my usage on my Instagram account. It is 10 am and I have already spent 30 minutes on the social media app, and I couldn’t tell you one thing I remember from my time scrolling.

It caused a chain reaction in my mind-how much time do I spend reading the Word or in prayer compared to my mindless scrolling? I am embarrassed to admit to you friend, it isn’t enough.

I began to wonder how or when I became more dedicated to the addictive mindless scroll more than spending intentional time with the Lord? How did I get here? How did I come to a place where ‘the scroll’ was more edifying than precious time with the Savior?

I would like to think it began as it does with most people, an innocent scroll to give your mind a break and zone out for a few minutes. Maybe you want to pass the time while waiting for an appointment, so you pick up the phone. There is too much awkward silence, so you pick up your phone. You feel like you need something to do with your hands, and you guessed it, you pick up the phone.

And let’s be honest, we somehow feel connected when we are scrolling and looking at images and reels of family, friends, and yes, even strangers. We find some sort of fulfillment from peering into the lives of others, watching baby goat videos or the latest trend on Tik Tok. You may even have a favorite Christian site you visit for encouragement.

But friend, I ask you, when did we substitute connection with the Lord for connection with a device? When did we give ourselves permission to spend more time scrolling than in quiet reverence with our Bible or in prayer? How and why did we tell ourselves it was ok?

There is something I have been feeling in my own spirit for weeks now. There is a word that keeps floating up to the surface of my heart: intentional. Somewhere along the line, I lost my zeal. My commitment became soft, and I allowed myself to become unintentional.

At first, I thought I had a good excuse. Our family has had some real challenges the past few years. We were in survival mode much of the time, and if you have been there, you get it. Simply put, I was hugely distracted. My faith was tested, stretched, revived and it soared all in that season.

I will admit my prayer life and time in the Word looked different then. I was pursuing survival more than relationship. By the grace of God, it is a different season now. My spirit has healed, my mind has quieted, and now it’s time to intentionally pursue relationship.

You see, distraction is one of the greatest tools used by our enemy. We don’t just find it in the valleys of life. Little by little, every day, we become loose in our discipline and in our commitment. It can start in the most innocuous ways. We spend too much empty time on social media. We watch movies or television shows that aren’t good for our spirits, hearts or minds. We listen to music that doesn’t produce fruits of the spirit, but produces images and thoughts that do not honor God.

We fill our time with empty things that do not bring life or real connection to Him. Because our hurt is too big, our shame is too big, our hope is fragile or we just plain have become indifferent to His glory-we stay away. We look to fill those moments with mindless entertainment because it’s easier.

Friends, the time is now to tighten up our efforts. It’s time to wake up from our distracted slumber, and engage in this heavenly relationship.

I challenge you, and myself, to spend more time with the Lord. More than you do Facebook, Instagram or Snap Chatting. I challenge you to spend more time investing in your relationship with Him than you do watching the latest trends on Tik Tok. Press in, and challenge yourself to pray more, read more and worship more.

I promise you will experience a deepening of your faith, and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let’s stop being casual, stop being distracted, and let’s be intentional. I pray this Scripture resonates in your heart and inspires intentional living. Psalm 119:37 (NAS): Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your ways.