Distractions

Like. Ping. Notification. Text. Ring. Notification.

Checking our phones has become such an unconscious motion. Our phones and other technological devices have become extensions of our hands. Granted, technology is amazing and we thank God for the various advances the virtual world grants us. However, I can’t help but notice how much technology as a whole, has become a distraction.

How many times have we opened our phones (with no notifications seeking our attention!) and scrolled for no real reason? Hands up? Guilty as charged.

Interesting fact: Apple’s next iOS 12 update (scheduled for release some time this Autumn) has a cool feature called ‘Screen Time’ that will allow you to see how many times you pick your phone up and how many times you use it! (2)

Whilst I can appreciate the amazing things that technology allows us to do, as I choose to pursue more of God daily, I am noticing how addicted I am to my phone.

Morning Routine:

Alarm sounds: 4:59am. With one eye open, I reach for my phone, scroll through the notifications received throughout the night and finally opening the YouVersion Bible app at around 5:25am before I get in the shower.

Why does it take me so long to open my Bible app and spend some time in God’s presence before I start my day? Many of you can indeed relate. We need to put our phones down (just for a little bit!), be intentional with our relationship with God and vow to unplug from the various distractions these wonderful devices throw our way, and plug into and recharge from the Word.

Anything you want to foster and grow requires time and attention. Like it or not, we are in serious relationships with apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter - the list goes on. But what about your relationship with God? Does the time you spend on the above apps outweigh the time you spend rooted in the Word, at the feet of God?

Food for thought. As we enter the second half of 2018, take time to detox, unplug yourself for a little bit and plug into the Spirit. I assure you, direction, peace and a true sense of identity will come out of your intentionality.

@Proverbs-4:25-27 is a fantastic scripture on focus and direction. Meditate on it as you put your phone down a little more in the second half of 2018.

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” @Proverbs-4:25-27 NLT

1 Daily Infographic, ‘15 Terrifying Statistics about Cell Phone Addiction’ http://www.dailyinfographic.com/15-terrifying-statistics-about-cell-phone-addiction (accessed 15 July 2018)

2 Business Insider, ‘Apple Screen Time Showed me I use my iPhone way too much’ http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-screen-time-showed-me-i-use-my-iphone-way-too-much-2018-6?r=US&IR=T (accessed 15 July 2018)