My phone company recently offered to upgrade my plan, which involved sending me a new device. I now have a smartphone, which works beautifully. I’ve been spending a lot of time with it in fact, quite bedazzled by its features.
Coincidentally, or perhaps not, I’ve been spending less time with God during the past week. I’ve felt distant from him. I’ve been ‘living in the moment’, racing from one thing to the next, not opening my heart to him much. I’ve missed the connection.
The other day, the phone escaped my clutches and its screen cracked on the concrete. It is still useable, but visibly flawed…
I was disappointed, but at the same time kind of relieved. I think I realized the phone had taken hold of a part of my heart. The part which seeks instant gratification. The part which just wants to pass the time. The part of me that wants to escape bringing my emotions, questions and concerns before God. Like many things, it was a grand distraction from the deeper issues that were calling me.
I am thankful for the times when ‘idols’ reveal their flaws. When they are exposed for what they are – just cheap imitations of the love and truth and joy an intimate relationship with God provides. Yes, God gives us many good things to enjoy. But when our primary vision is fixed on Jesus, there truly is no competition.
Psalm 18:30 reminds me:
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless.”
God is the only flawless reality in my life. The words he speaks are the complete truth – the real deal. Why spend all my time looking elsewhere when he really does give me all I need?
It's a God thing... 
I can relate 🙂 Electronics have a nasty habit of distracting me from spending time with God. I guess that’s why it’s a good idea to have a Bible app on my Kindle–then I have no excuse!
Good to know I’m not the only one 🙂 Haha yes… bible apps are great. I use YouVersion quite a lot.
Thanks so much for dropping by, have a wonderful day 🙂
Great perspective! Great post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Brian! God bless 🙂
“The part of me that wants to escape bringing my emotions, questions and concerns before God. Like many things, it was a grand distraction from the deeper issues that were calling me.” Thank you, Ali, for sharing like you do, so real and honest. What you wrote, although I don’t have a smart phone .. .described a part of me too, that wants to escape .. that seeks ‘down’ time. Thank you for helping me spot it for what it is and prayerfully seek Him instead of seeking a way to escape! God bless you!
Amen, thanks for sharing that you feel that way too Debbie. Leisure time is great, but when we ‘relax’ into Him there is so much gold to be mined!
Bless you as you enjoy all He has to offer you today.
In Jesus,
Ali
Psalm 24:4 says it best, don’t lift your soul up to an idol. In this age, its hard not to get lulled to sleep by temptation. Great post! Keep on writing!
Amen! It is so easy to be drawn away for what seems great, but isn’t ‘the real deal’. So thankful for His love which keeps drawing me back.
Thank you 🙂
There are so many things these days that beg our attention. Sometimes I wonder if the devil has a hand in it. The electronics (computer, phones, etc.) can be useful tools in connecting to others, or reading God’s word, but it’s so easy to not use them this way.
I think one of Satan’s tactics is definitely distraction, and that can take many forms. I’m often lulled into submission to what appears dazzling and delightful but forget how much joy there is so to be had in Christ himself… in simply resting in Him, hearing from Him… coming away from the many voices of the ‘world’ out there to receive His truth and purpose for my life… My phone is a wonderful tool, including for reading the Bible, but like anything, it can steal from the time available to connect with God.
Hi Ali, wow I am getting a kick in the pants tonight!! All the posts I have been led to read are convicting my heart immensely and this was another. My smart phone is an easy distraction. there are so many quick and easy fixes I can get from it. Thank you for helping me see the truth of this idol. I am going on a huge fast for 2 weeks starting next week and I think my phone has to be part of the things I am giving up for God. Thank you so much! Blessings to you Sister!
Oh wow, it’s amazing how God speaks to us isn’t it… Praying your fast would be a blessing to you, drawing you closer to His heart and purposes for your life. He is good and will be with you all the way x