Are You Sitting on the Sidelines?
It’s a basic, non-sports-related question. From a spiritual standpoint, are you fully engaged in life, or are you sitting back and letting the world push you around? From what I’ve seen and experienced, something tells me that the second option may be more in line with the truth.
Because of technological developments, we now live in a world with many screens vying for our attention. This, of course, is in the midst of many other pleasures calling out to us like the Sirens of Greek mythology, such as: hobbies, sports, relationships, etc. But, those dreaded screens—the computers, the tablets, the TVs, and the phones—are stifling your work in the Kingdom.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I believe the devil has been licking his chops, waiting for screens to come onto the scene in the history of humanity. He’s been brimming with exuberance, relishing the chance to take a Kingdom warrior out of commission. How could this be so?
The average person (at least the average American person) consumes at least four hours of TV each day according to A.C. Nielsen Co. In another recent study (circa 2015), the average person spends almost nine hours on electronic devices. Put that in perspective: nine hours each day over the course of 60 years is equal to a little over 24 years of electronic consumption. That’s horrific!
If you think you’re immune, think again. If you think the Church is immune, think again. Our consumer culture has seeped into the church pews. More people are on their phones than ever before, and it is beyond distracting. Seriously, worship services these days are a battle for your attention. I can’t tell you how many times a phone has gone off during a pivotal part of a sermon or right in the middle of a prayer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people take their phones out to snap a picture during the service. Can we not separate ourselves from technology even in God’s house?
I write out of concern because the enemy is taking advantage of you. Now, hold on, Zach…technology isn’t all bad. Phones can be used for good, reaching out to people and the like. True, but are you really using those supposed nine hours while using electronics to engage others? For the most part, I think Christians are no different than others when it comes to how they are responding to technology. After work or while on a break, do you pop on the TV? Do you check your phone throughout the day? Do you play games on your computer or tablet?
It seems we let technology lull us into becoming the very things we’re consuming—we become drones on auto-pilot. It’s a beautiful new day, so let me check my phone while I’m getting ready…before I get to work and use the computer (while checking my phone periodically)…before I get home to watch TV and (oh, yeah) check my phone…before I fall asleep while messing with my phone.
Let me just say this: It’s hard to be the hands and feet of Jesus if you never look up from your phone.
We, as Christians, have become so absorbed with technology like the rest of the culture, but we didn’t (and don’t) see the need to put safeguards in place. If our eyes are glued to a screen, how can we notice the needs of those hurting around us? Our phones have allowed us to take ourselves out of the game, so we can get more comfortable on the bench.
Forgive me, but Paul did say we’re running a race, right? If only one gets the prize, we’re supposed to strive to win the race. Are people running, or are they too busy checking Snapchat or Instagram?
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[quote bar=”true” align=”center”]It’s hard to be the hands and feet of Jesus if you never look up from your phone.[/quote]
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I think believers need to do a few things to counteract “complacency in the Kingdom.” First, we need to take inventory of how much time we’re spending on our phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. Second, we need to take inventory of how much time we’re spending in prayer, in the Word of God, and in Church (or Church-related activities). We need to ensure that nothing ever takes the prime position in our life except God. If the first inventory outweighs the second, you need to readjust your life. Third, we need to be intentional about setting down our phones or shutting off the TVs and engaging the world around us. It’s not difficult. Cultivate relationships with others one-on-one and provide tangible help to those in need around you. You don’t have to look far.
I’ve always hated when people suggest that Christians use Jesus as a crutch. It’s a total mischaracterization of God and our relationship with Him. It seems appropriate, however, to describe the various screens in your life as crutches. They cause you to hobble around and prevent you from running the race before you.
I think it’s time to throw the crutches down, stretch your legs, and start running.
Z. Montgomery