Unplugging
As we seek to hear from the Spirit, we know that it can be hard to hear His voice. Not only does hearing from the Spirit require intentionality, but it also requires stillness and space. While we remain faithful to the lives He has placed us in, we can and should be seeking to draw ever nearer to Him. While culture and busyness fight for our attention, one way we may forget that the enemy is trying to gain our attention is through distraction.
We live in a world of screens. It can be easy for our days to orient around them. We wake up to our iPhone alarms, sit in front of our laptops at work, then go home to watch a movie on our big screens. On top of this, we scroll social media in between meetings, we are interrupted by text messages as we have dinner with friends and emails can disturb conversations with our families. No wonder we can struggle to hear God’s voice or to feel the Spirit’s nearness to us! Now, let’s be clear, not all technology is bad. Some of my dearest friends live states away, and I cherish facetimes with them. Where we go wrong is when we turn to technology to meet our desires or distract us.
We were made by a personal God who saved us from ourselves. Our need for connection with Him and others is intrinsic to us all. By cutting down our screen time, we can cultivate habits that encourage our hearts to listen for the Spirit, engage with the present and destroy distractions.
This week, in order to create space and room for us to hear from the Spirit, I urge us to try unplugging.
Some Questions for Reflection:
- How do I use technology in necessary ways? How do I use technology in unnecessary ways?
- How much time do I spend on my phone every day? If I continue to use my phone this way, how much time will I spend on it this week? This month? This year?
- What emotions (or lack thereof) do I feel when I use technology?
- What spiritual practices could I begin to replace time I spend on social media?
- What do my habits around technology communicate to others?
Get it Done:
- Set screen time limits on your phone (this can be built in on your phone, or get an app that will help you!)
- Ask a friend for accountability.
- Keep a log for a week of how often you use technology for non-essential tasks. Are there any changes you want to make based on your results?
- Have a “phone home” at home. Leave it in another room while you are present to yourself, your friends, your family and the Lord.
- When you do engage with social media, pause and pray before. Ask the Spirit to guide you even as you scroll.
The Enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. An easy way this sneaks in can be through our habits around technology, but we are not left defenseless. We have the Holy Spirit to be our Helper, our Guide, our Strength. Ask Him for wisdom as you seek to hear His voice and live in the freedom Christ has won for you!
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