When is your smartphone your friend and when is it your enemy? What does it do to your relationship with God? I have tips to make it a spiritual asset.
SmartPhones are not the answer to all ills. Neither are they the reason for any societal decay you care to highlight. They are here to stay. As with all new technologies they have the power to enhance or detract from our spirituality. I have found my phone a great help at times, but a distraction at others.
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40 NIV11)
Martha was not distracted by something evil, but something good. Hospitality is a Biblical command, after all.
The “iPhone Effect”
Research illustrates the effects of a phone on relationships. The details are in the links provided. In summary, when a phone was visible the quality of the conversation diminished. People felt less connection, less empathy, less warmth. Even if the phone was not turned on. I know families who have a rule to counter this issue. No phones at the dinner table.
Pause the Phone
We must consider the application to our walk with God. Especially our devotional times. Those moments we set aside for focused prayer and Bible study are precious. Will the phone help or hinder? Here are a few pointers.
When you want to avoid distraction
- Put the phone in Airplane Mode – vibrations can be enough to cause distraction
- Put the phone in another room – i.e. out of sight
- Leave the phone behind – if you go out for a prayer walk or into the garden
When you want to use it to help your prayer time
- Open a prayer app – I use “PocketPrayer” and “Daily Prayer” weekly
- Open a Bible study app – for praying through scripture
- Keep a notes app open for recording prayer thoughts – I use Drafts and save to Evernote
Conclusion
The key is to be intentional about your use or non-use of the phone. Where do you need to alter the way you use your phone? Remember, the phone is not the issue. The use of it is. You are in control.
Question
How do you prevent your phone from becoming a problem in your quiet times? In what ways do you find it helpful?
Please leave a comment here so that we can all learn from one another. We learn best when we learn in community.
I hope you have a wonderful week of quality quiet times.
God bless, Malcolm
