The other day I was sitting at a traffic light. I noticed a group of six people standing in a circle on the sidewalk. They each had their head down, gaze fixated on their cell phone. Fifty feet down the sidewalk, two other individuals – one sitting, one standing – one thing in common. Their faces turned down staring at their cell phone.
And then God spoke to my heart. They can’t see My face because they are captivated by their phones. And I knew, in that moment, God had given me this week’s blog.
Every day, Americans spend 4 hours and 30 minutes on their mobile phones and check their phone 144 times per day. Nearly 57% of Americans consider themselves ‘mobile phone addicts’. Children, on average, get their first phones at 11.6 years old. By age 15, almost all children have a cell phone. About 97% of Americans owned a feature phone or smartphone in 2022, compared to 81% in 2015. (Consumer Affairs.com)
Now, contrast those statistics, with these from the Pew Research Center. These findings are for individuals who consider themselves Christians.
- 45% of Christians say they read the Bible at least once a week
- 12% once or twice a month
- 9% several times a year
- 33% seldom or never
I, honestly, was shocked and deeply saddened when I read that 33% of self-professed Christians seldom or never read the Bible. But I was equally disappointed to learn that 45% only read the Bible once a week. Yet we are scrolling on our phones, checking Facebook or Instagram posts, or watching the latest TikTok videos. And I’d argue that we don’t even think about what we are doing. We don’t plan for it or set aside time to do it. It’s like breathing. A mindless exercise distracting us and deterring us. Preparing us not to grow farther from Christ, rather than closer to Him. Social media and technology are sexy, tempting, and addictive.
It is the enemy’s weapon of choice. And we willingly carry it and engage it in the war against our Creator. I’m just as guilty as anyone else. The draw is real. The temptation strong. The panic palpable when I can’t find my phone. Would my reaction be as intense if I couldn’t find my Bible? Yet the Bible is the only source to find truth. Not “your truth” or “my truth.” THE truth. Still, we waste hours looking for answers on a hand-held computer rather that looking to the voice of our Father.
The Center for Biblical Engagement issued a report that concluded people who read the Bible at least four days a week experienced the following benefits:
- Getting drunk = 57% lower odds
- Sex outside marriage = 68% lower odds
- Pornography = 61% lower odds
- Gambling = 74% lower odds
Reading the Bible at least four days a week also made it more likely for the average Christian to engage in evangelism and discipleship:
- Sharing faith with others = 228% higher odds
- Discipling others = 231% higher odds
- Memorizing scripture = 407% higher odds
But there are no statistically significant differences between those who read or listen to the Bible one to three times a week and those who spent zero days doing so. So that Sunday excursion into your Bible during the message isn’t going to offer you the same protection as dedicating time to immerse yourself in the Word of God. If that makes you uncomfortable, good. It should. It should make you question your priorities and what you truly treasure.
The Bible is filled with reminders of the power of the Word. It overflows with the love of a Father who wants to give you everything you need to live a life filled with joy and purpose. To keep you from making mistakes that may bring short-term happiness at the expense of long-term peace.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. “ Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
“Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21 (NIV)
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Social media is not the enemy; it is the love of it (much like money) that allows evil to take root. When your time and attention are captured in worldly posts rather than Heavenly instruction, the enemy has a foothold. When you share funny or engaging posts but not scripture, the enemy has a foothold. When you panic when your phone is out of your hand but can’t remember the last time you held the Word of God, the enemy has a foothold.
Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Social media can be used to honor and glorify God. Share words of encouragement. Share scripture. Share truth. Follow Godly men and women who are harnessing the power of social media and technology to advance the kingdom of God. Immerse yourself in the Word of God that He may change you and the world through you.
Every day, Americans spend 4 hours and 30 minutes gazing at their phones. This week, why not spend more of that time gazing upon God?
This week’s prayer can be found at: https://simplyjoy.online/prayers/bible-reading-prayers/let-me-gave-upon-you/