At the beginning of the year I felt God tugging on my heart to slow down on Social Media and Also give up Sugar.
Okay, maybe the Sugar thing was me just being hyper health conscious. But like most New Years Resolutions, I am back to normal short comings by mid. February. I started doing Social Media more (Instagram, Facebook) because I wanted to let supporters and friends know what I am up to out here, also those tools can be used for betterment and not just entertainment and idol indulgence. Also, you just see so much beauty, unique and interesting things/people that you want to take photos of and maybe share.
Sooo… here is part of the scripture written on the back of my phone case:
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
Proverbs 4:20-21
I was walking, and asking God what scripture He wanted me to meditate on, because I remembered that God wants His people to know His word and not let it depart from our being.
John 14:27 Came to mind….. Peace I give to you, not as the world gives, Don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid.
So what perfect timing that was……
About 30min later my Phone disappeared, I believe it was stolen, but anyway, I told God several times this year that I was going to make my best effort to quit complaining and praise Him and be Thankful instead.
So after I filed a report, I wrote this list:
The Benefits of Not Having a Smart Phone
- Not being tempted to look at it 1st thing in the morning, and last ting before I go to sleep.
- Not being the annoying person who asks for a WIFI password before I ask someones name.
- Paying better attention to people and places.
- Relying on PEOPLE for directions.
- Not being in a brain fog.
- Actually making time to write music, songs to, for and with God.
- Working on my handwriting…. its gotten sloppy over the years.
- Reading physical books more.
- More handwritten notes!
- Less opportunity for unknown/unidentified addiction to creep in.
- Freedom from SIM, I mean SIN (haha, sim card)
- Less access to impertinent information (i.e. knowing what people are doing who are not directly around me).
- Learning more from the DIRECT WORLD instead of my Chosen music, podcasts, etc.
- Knowing the address of scripture I know, because I cant look it up.
- More seeking to hear Gods voice.
- Sticking to my social media fasts.
- Another opportunity to BE in the world but not OF it. Not a product of it.
- Opportunity to think more creatively- instead of looking things up.
- Opportunity to collaborate more with real people around me.
- Less likely to become dull, depressed, or someone I dont like.
- More time to memorize.
- Potential to see more ministry opportunity, by engaging with people more.
- I will spend less time just reading things and “agreeing with them” in my mind, “clicking like” . Understanding and mentally agreeing with words but never changing my life, a lot of head knowledge that puffs up. Cognitive Dissonance.
I actually have a much longer & more detailed list in my journal, but you get it.
God didn’t take my phone, and I don’t know if He asked me to give it up, or for how long. But if I don’t let this event (the loss of my phone) change me, what will. A more difficult event? What does it have to take to be more disciplined, and walk more fully in who God created me to be?
When I abandon something that I use to Buffer pain or boredom, or I abandon something I run to for security I am actually CHASING FREEDOM. The things that were once so important that gave me temporary life, but were lifeless in themselves, will fall away.
“turn your eyes upon Jesus (and away from the screen), look Full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”.
I dont think I will abandon my phone or social media forever, but defiantly using this opportunity presented to me NOW.
I am writing you from a team mates computer. Thanks for Reading.
