It has become increasingly apparent that these marvellous smartphones which we keep in our pockets have a dark side.
Being both highly portable and highly addictive, it’s little wonder that many of us struggle to put down our little screens.
Teams of product designers implement features that draw us in, giving dopamine hits, similar to those used by poker machine companies.
Streaming platforms automatically queue up the next episode of what you’re watching, so the path of least resistance is to stay planted and watch the next show.
The overall effect is that not only do we hand over great swathes of our time to advertisers and activities of little value to us, our lives become shaped around these devices, apps and their content.
As this grows, we give our phones authority over our life, becoming obedient to their notifications, beeps and buzzes, seeking their information and taking that to heart, and never being without their comforting presence.
We must be aware that our phones are useful, but we must jealously guard Jesus as the one to whom we give the prime place of authority, teaching and comfort. Remember, Jesus said:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
So, it is well worth reflecting upon. Who or what is primarily discipling me in life right now? And is it Jesus Christ?
– Sam Pursell