Oh how it so easily creeps in.
Before you know it, you’re sucked in.
A ten letter word that has truly changed life as we know it.
Technology.
You know, that very thing that you are currently reading this blog on.
And the very thing I am using to convey this message to you.
Have you ever noticed when you’re in a group setting how many people in that group seem to be consumed by the device in their hands?
No?
Then it’s a good chance that it’s because you are one of those people.
Yes, I’m sorry to be so harsh but it very well could be the truth. And you know what they say, the truth hurts sometimes.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love technology. Many places I go, especially on the Race, there is usually some way that I can serve someone by helping them with my technological skills that God has blessed me with. Technology helps me get away when I need my time by myself, just me and Jesus. I just throw on my head phones that very easily drown out the outside noises and boom I’m “alone”. But when it comes to living in community and interpersonal interaction, that’s where technology can become detrimental.
One thing the World Race highly encourages is disconnection, the detaching of the wires from your fingers to your smartphone or tablet, and pressing in to the Christian community that will cause you to grow in ways unimaginable. But, when you sit in a room full of those very people that are there to challenge you and make you grow, and everyone has a device in front of them disconnecting them from the community rather than the Internet, it makes it a bit of a challenge.
It’s something I have come to notice on the race as I have decided to disconnect from the Internet, except for off days. But then of course I went and decided to download spider solitaire on my iPad, BAD IDEA. Needless to say, that did not help me press more into community.
What’s even worse is that I have given feedback on this very topic to those around me and then not much longer find myself dropping the ball and being consumed. So now, there is no more spider solitaire, or any solitaire for that matter. I don’t want to be consumed by my device when I can be pressing in to who the Lord wants to grow me to be and when I can be pouring into others in the short time I have left here on the race.
So here are my challenges for you:
-Next time you’re in a group of people, put down your phone, take a look around you, and notice the distraction. I believe that it is then that you may just want to make a change in how much time you spend on your phone.
-When you realize the sad reality of how you and others are spending your time, do something about it. And encourage others to do something as well!
I believe we can shift to a healthy use of technology while still interacting with each other in a way that benefits us, others, and the Kingdom. Takes some time, pray about it, and ask God what direction you should take.
