The Spiritual Battle For Our Attention

Let's consider tracking how we spend our time in a typical 24-day period. Sleeping and working naturally take up most of it, followed by household tasks and hobbies, and finally, entertainment. Recently, I heard someone point out a troubling contrast: for Christians, spending more time on television or social media than on Bible study, prayer, or ministry seems out of balance. We often hear about the spiritual battle for our minds, but do our choices reflect the seriousness of this struggle? Though I'm involved with ministries and activities, I must ask myself whether I'm still allowing these daily distractions to consume too much of my focus. Do I believe there is such a thing as having a balance with my busy schedule of helping others versus how much time I spend watching and being conformed to the world? The essential question is whether our attention is fully turned toward God, or if we are trying to justify and play both sides as we indulge in meaningless distractions. Can you sense Jesus prompting you to re-examine your priorities?

Our grandson is a normal first grader who loves to play with Legos and all things related to Mario and Sonic. But he also has a strong connection to Minecraft computer games. He spends a lot of time on his switch, and becomes so deeply involved that it seems he loses contact with what's going on around him. To even mention taking a break causes him to become upset. I was convicted about this the other day, and realized I would be the same way if someone took my television, computer, and cell phone away. Have we literally fallen in love with entertainment? Could this addiction be associated with a type of idol worship? The devices are not evil in themselves; they are just tools, but anything that captures our hearts receives our highest devotion. Romans 6:16 talks about the deception of slavery. "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you become a slave to them, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

I admit, I enjoy the internet, and browse as I relax and watch television, as I suppose most everyone else does. I have my phone with me at all times, as it's now become a part of my life. I'm still astounded by the technology of a satellite beaming a video and audio signal to my big screen, and me having access on a handheld device that can produce information about anything I can imagine. Should we be concerned that Satan is the prince and power of the airwaves? Why am I not more obsessed with Colossians 3:1-2? "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Is it not disturbing that we have become obsessed with our technology devices? Are we being distracted away from God? When was the last time we turned everything off for a week? Could we do it? If the enemy can distract you from your time alone with God, then he can isolate you from the help that comes from God alone. Be encouraged as you read Ephesians chapter 5:6-21.

What did people do before technology? I know: they talked to each other. Today, many are sadly developing an illusion that Facebook likes, or even shaking hands with our acquaintances, is a substitute for love. Some believe long-distance acknowledgments protect us from the demands and concerns of close relationships. We want to be loved, but some build walls around themselves to avoid the entanglements of sincerely caring for others. True connection requires authenticity, mutual respect, and vulnerability, as we allow others to help us understand how to love and how to be loved. Sherry Turkle, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has spent the last 15 years studying how our "plugged-in lives" are changing who we are. She claims that our technological devices have produced a world in which we're constantly communicating, while meaningful conversations are deteriorating. Many accept that reading or listening to what others say, and indicating they agree, is the same as knowing someone personally. Hiding behind a screen can become a twisted sense of security as we observe society from the realm of our private isolation, and even more serious: Can this also be used to hide from God?

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.