By Mark Naito
News flash! Flip/smart/portable phones, etc. are all “mini-computers” that happen to have phone capabilities.
The question is: would you allow someone to put technology, like a mini-computer, into your body?
Most will say no…absolutely not!
But when it does happen, I think most will [do it] and I’ll explain why. More importantly, I’ll explore how it will affect your faith journey.
God continues to challenge me in my own personal journey with screens. If you have not heard my past story, I’ll share it again in brief… When I was a single guy (over 20ish years ago), when Apple first came out with the iPod, iPad, iTV, iPhone – I had all of those! It was prior to everything being so connected and seamless, and this was during a period of time when I told people I was “busy” and had no time for additional ministry things like singles groups, serving ministries, etc.
Sure, I was a product marketing manager (worked long, 12-hour days at times) for an international company based out of France that had an operational company in the U.S. And I sang in the choir at Kingdom Life Christian Church in Milford, Conn. But I still had time to do other things – if I eliminated screen time.
What could have happened? Could I have eliminated some of my lonely times? Could the Lord have opened up more doors for His work? Could I have experienced more miracles in my life? These are just a few things that COULD have happened.
I’m sure many know this, but companies and the government have been using technology that has been implemented into humans, according to an article in the magazine, Artificial Intelligence: The Second Wave. It is being used to perfect the ability for humans to function as a mini-computer (cell phone) – or any technical device we use today – inside our bodies. So, if we need to look up something, we just say, “I am interested in finding out more information on ‘xyz’,” and up pops in your vision some information to glance at and then decide where to go from there.
What? That’s science fiction. How is that possible?
And how does that affect our relationship with the Lord?
Think about this… In trying to type up this article to be emailed to the editor of this magazine, I’ve already checked my email, did a quick internet search for a church, and unsubscribed from a few unnecessary email communications. But my only intention was to write up this article and email it off since I’m a day past the deadline.
However, in the past when I’ve handwritten the article, I am only focused on writing the article with a periodic bathroom or snack break.
My challenge to you? Take a two-week break from your personal screen time, starting at when you clock out until the next day. And on the weekend take a 100% break.
What you’ll find… You’re forced to find things to do, and I would have a list of things ready. For example, have a physical journal with pen, have some communication games like Ungame, get sticky note pads for around the house and out of the house, and get ready to live life again. It will be tough at first as you find yourself wanting to grab your mini-computer, but day after day you will find life starting to happen.
The bonus is you will start your journey on learning how to live without so much screen time; and when we’re asked to put technology in our bodies because the mini-computers no longer exist, you will be ready!
When I’ve talked to people who have done this experiment, they always say the same thing: “It was so nice not to be tethered to that mini-computer. I felt such peace.”
After that period, people want to remain on this journey of peace and have deeper relationships with others.
Recently, my family and I have dove into the Word. One study was around what is important to God. In that we discovered that humans are the most important thing to Him. In Genesis 1:26 from NKJV, it reads, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image…” And at the same time, don’t forget who rules this world is not God but satan. Ephesians 6:10-20 reads “…for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places…”
However, the world keeps telling us – and especially with screens – that we have little to no value. The “third person” – mini-computers – has more value and importance. Just look around you in the store, restaurant, your family, and even your church community. There will ALWAYS be a smartphone/flip phone/screen present.
Scripture says to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Another study we did was about peace in the storm. In Isaiah 26: “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks’.”
In Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
These Scripture verses are something we are promoting to make your home a sanctuary, and minimize the screens within them. We all get screens outside of our homes. So why bring them into our homes?
My hope is that you continue to eliminate the things that easily distract you – even with good content – so that the Holy Spirit can move in your life and provide more opportunities to experience His love. And in this journey you will see more of His work and hopefully join in on what He is already doing.
Remember… Choose in-person relationships over screens and put the mini-computer away.
Mark Naito is passionate about helping people by seeking ‘root cause’, providing result-oriented solutions and good outcomes. His passion has always been to empower others to be educated to make their own informed decisions on what makes sense for themselves or their family. He started Navigating Tech Family toward that goal. He is a family man with a beautiful wife and kids and loves doing life with his family in the outdoors. He may be reached at [email protected].
