In the midst of all the commotion created by technology, “this cell phone, that tablet, this laptop, that smart TV…,” we have created a culture of tech dependents in mainline USA. Maybe, even a generation tech addicts? The convenience to communicate with one another anywhere at anytime, to have instant access to any information at anytime might leads us into believe that we are smarter and wiser. But are we? I recently went to the beach, where I experienced children laughing and playing, surf pounding, sun shining, music beating, the smell of good food, and the refreshing taste of cold drinks. One might think that this could be a strong definition of leisure, comfort — even paradise! Still, a small group of teenage girls were sun bathing, all within two feet of one another, yet no one was talking to each other, they were individually engaged with their phones.
God’s creation cries out His glory, did you miss it? Are you singing with it? In the stillness you know that He is God, did you miss Him? In the quiet He speaks, did you hear Him? Jesus told Martha that Mary had chose the better thing – the only thing that was needed. (Luke 10:41-42, NIV) “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Mary decided to drop everything, all the busyness and sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him teach. Faith comes by hearing. “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17, NLT)
We must be still. We must be quiet to hear God. Too many words lead to sin. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Proverbs 10:19, NLT) Satan wants you to be busy with idols to keep you from worshipping God. Anything that keeps you from being still and praying in Christ, from being thankful in Christ, from rejoicing in Christ takes you from the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Our phones, tablets, computers, TV’s are just tools, never let them become idols. When you gather with the saints to worship, to listen to an anointed message don’t be distracted by a reliance on tech. Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” How can you hear, if you are not listening? How can you live, love, and truly worship through all the noise and distractions? You don’t need your phone at God’s dinner table.