(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
The technological age is surely upon us. Over the previous 50 years, advancements in technology have skyrocketed. Today, people rely on their cell phones for nearly every aspect of their lives. Need to contact somebody? Use your phone. Want to watch something? Use your phone? Want to read a book? You can do that through the kindle app on your phone. Need to deposit a check into the bank? Take a picture of it and deposit it just by using your phone.
One recent study has found that the average person taps or swipes the screen of their cell phone 2,617 times a day. That’s right. Over 2,500. Another has found that in 2023, the average person checked their phone 144 times a day.
Yes, our cell phones are a tool to be used and they have a number of purposes which are beneficial. However, we must acknowledge that several large media companies are also profiting because of our cell phones. Every tap, click, swipe leads to another advertisement, another micro-transaction, and another bit of information about you, your location, your shopping habits, your music preferences, and more. Many say they don’t have time for Sabbath rest, silence, or solitude. But we all have time…if only we would turn off our phones.
READING & PRAYERS:
ROMANS 12:9-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: How much do you allow digital distractions to prevent you from resting and enjoying time with your Creator?
DIGGING DEEPER: Consider turning off your phone for at least one hour every day this week. (You can leave the television off for the same period of time.) Begin to embrace at least one hour a day completely unplugged.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there’s a part of me which recognizes there are a lot of digital distractions which impact me every day, but at the same time I’m not sure I recognize just how many there or how much they impact my mind, body, and soul. Reveal to me the kinds of ungodly messages I see and hear through digital media today. Lead me to compare and contrast these messages to Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
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