Unplugging From The Grind And Plugging Into God

The world we live in is moving faster and faster with no signs of slowing down. I love technology and all the amazing things it can offer to help make our lives more efficient on all levels, but if we do not put boundaries on the technology we use to help us,  it can actually harm us by not letting our mind be able to rest and unplug.

I can remember growing up without any of the advanced tech we use now on a daily basis. I had an Apple IIe that my parents bought for me and I didn’t even know how to use it! It sat on my desk in my room and looked really cool but just sat there unused. Now in my life, I can’t imagine doing my job effectively without my laptop, iPad and phone. I know this may sound crazy to younger generations, but life did exist and people did connect before the internet and cell phones. I can remember my mom telling me that I needed to be home when it started to get dark outside and not calling or texting me that dinner was ready.

I say all these things to help all of us take an inventory of not only what has but what keeps out attention. I just got back from a camping trip this past weekend and decided to leave my phone and all technology at home. It was very strange to not be connected to the internet or my social media apps but was freeing in a way that I needed desperately but didn’t even realize. I didn’t take one picture of the amazing mountain views I saw or record any video of the moose, bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife on my trip. I was able to just be in the moment instead of trying to record media that I would probably never use again anyway. I was also able to hear some things that God wanted to share with me that I would have otherwise not heard because of distractions that come from my technology. I was also able to finish a book that I had started at the beginning of the year and was eager to start reading the next one in the series. I am only sharing this from my perspective and helping you to possibly take inventory of the things that consume your mind and if your technology is working for you or are you working for it and the adulation of others online in the social media world we exist in. The best thing that I learned this weekend was that I need to make time and be deliberate with shutting off my phone and tech to be able to let me mind rest and give God an opportunity to speak to me and not think I have to turn those thoughts and communication from Him into an Instagram post, a Facebook thought or a Twitter connect. I have a job where I need to always be available if we have issues at our transmitters or television station, but I also need to strategically find time to get away with God and let my mind recharge so I am actually MORE effective in my job as a broadcast professional.

One of the practical ways that I am following through with what I learned is to turn off all notifications on my phone except for calls or text and have scheduled times of checking my emails through the day. We need to remember that most of our phones are just mini computers that have the ability to help us get things done in life or become and incredible distraction that can derail our minds and cause us to be unproductive.

Today, ask God to show you areas of your digitally connected life that distract and are possibly keeping you from hearing God’s voice. God is always speaking so we need to find pauses in life to let God get through to us even as we advance more technologically in our world. Don’t let technology rule your life but use it to help you be productive and fulfill his purposes in your life.

Have a great week!
Brian Morris
General Manager @ Rocky Mountain CTN
Enjoy Life.  Consider Eternity.