I recently took a full thirty day break from ministry activity. That meant not using my phone. A few rambling thoughts about that:
- Full disclosure…I did use a “burner phone”, a cheap older smart phone which gave me texting, navigation, and Bible reading capabilities.
- Let me say first of all I do think phones have some good value.
- Phones enhance connecting and sharing our lives in ways not possible before their inception.
- But what I hadn’t realized was how much my phone sucked me into its trap.
- Always an update. Always some needed response. Always some piece of information which could add value to life or ministry.
- See, all of those things sound good. But generally, in seeking, sharing, or responding I am the main character.
- In that way the phone replaces God whom I should trust fully and ultimately.
- So, a few questions…
- My phone really led me to attempt too much. Too much response. Too much seeking info. Too much wondering what others have going on. Too much…for you too?
- How can we draw the line? Good question.
- What about limits? What about actually comparing time spent on the phone to time with God?
- What about time spent on the phone vs. time spent in actual conversation with family or friends?
- What about NOT responding in urgency to that email, text, or call?
- Will the world still spin if you don’t? Your answer tells a lot about what you think about yourself – and God.
- Another challenge: what about Bible reading? During an afternoon if I hold my phone in front of my face to do my Bible reading, does my family know any different? Can I interact with God in ways that don’t threaten my attention span (studies show you comprehend better with an actual book anyhow) or show my family the phone’s centrality?
- I hope this doesn’t sound legalistic. I don’t know your heart. I don’t have the answers for everyone.
- But I do know this has challenged me.
- A SUGGESTION. If you don’t know how much time your phone takes, use an app. I have begun using Social Fever, an app which tracks how many times you unlock your phone each day, how much time the screen is active, and how much time goes to individual apps.
- For the first time in my entire life, this app has made me think about the time spent using the device. I would encourage you to do the same.
- I could go on and on. I won’t. If you’re reading this on a phone, put it down and get to something better 🙂