By Mark Naito
Now that we’re in 2026, it’s time to start implementing some practical ways to improve our relationships with God and others. The idea of “optimal living in a tech world” is an interesting one, right? You’re probably saying to yourself, “I am living my optimal life. Everything I could possibly want to have is in place. My smart watch keeps track of my health; the smartphone keeps me connected; and my TV is there to provide me entertainment.”
Let’s go to the secular school, The Waldorf School of Silicon Valley. (Note: We do not promote nor hold other similar values.)
In its current school policy manual, the school provides data that shows it is not good to have screens in kids’ lives. It hinders their creative ability – something God gave us and Satan does not want us to use at all. After all, one of the reasons he is so mad at God was because he wanted to be like God. And yet why does he hate us? Because we were created in “God’s image.” No other angel or living thing is created this way.
Our enemy does not want us using the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, even in our sermons or ministries. We’re tempted by technology to come up with “creative” ideas. Trust me. I have used AI in Canva to come up with a couple of documents. But I still had to tweak them quite a bit to make them more applicable to what I do.
It’s a lure to get you hooked.
Think of gambling. One quarter and you can get hooked! It’s that chance. It’s that thrill. And yet, you can get that same thrill with the Lord and His Holy Spirit. But it is not in our timing or the way we would like to receive it. It’s sometimes when your ministry used its last dime and then the Lord has someone give you the right amount of money for that time. It’s a friend that you reached out to for help and realized that they needed prayer.
Both you and your kids will benefit from limiting your screen usage. Besides, screens are everywhere and you will be faced with them in public anyway. When I go to get my oil changed, there’s a 77” TV in the waiting room, and I can’t help but occasionally look at it; and because I grew up on TV with my family, it makes it even harder for me [to look away]. It is an addiction that’s hard not to be drawn to. It was the way that I wasted away most of my single adult life: work and then come home and watch endless content that has no application in my life today. I could have been connecting with people, serving in different capacities, and living life with my God-given creativity instead of having to deal with times of depression and anxiety.
So next time you come across a screen in life, ask yourself, “Do I need to do this this way or is there some other way? And does this screen help my relations with people or possibly hinder them as a barrier?”
Remember that we are created in the image of Almighty God. His image! No angel, no animal or anything else is like us, and we can be creative as a result. Yet screens are stealing this – right before our eyes at times, not allowing us to be creative but having the technology do the creative work for us.
I am not perfect in this either but am living this out in my daily life as well. The main difference is that I have more dedicated time to research, focus my attention, and test out different applications. Take an example of me working on a book about how screens like smartphones, gaming, and TV are barriers to our relationships and [how we must and can] win the battle for attention and attachment. I wrote my initial draft on paper and thankfully I did as I’ve had computer issues and recently was told by an independent computer repair company that my computer was done and needed to upgrade. With the limited supply of memory in the market, a new computer could skyrocket if I don’t get something now rather than later. It reminded me of when I used to have an Apple phone and initially had free storage but then quickly was asked to upgrade my memory in fear of not being able to use my phone.
How does this tie into our faith?
If we are not careful as we move forward – because tech is not going anywhere – we will not feel like making harder choices later to prevent any hinderances in our faith. Today there are many things that hinder our faith that we don’t even realize. I know for myself I’ve been shocked at the things I did before becoming intentional with screens. One [realization is how] my smartphone and tablet were a hinderance to me in overcoming my porn addiction. But today I am two years free from watching or looking at anything on a device. Praise God!
I share with people that it’s not even just the content that is bad anymore. It’s that we consume so much that when does the Holy Spirit or God have an opportunity to truly move? I’m not saying God does not still move in screens, but it’s that we are more often bombarded by so much information that there’s no real time to process it.
Let’s end with this thought. In the beginning before Lucifer fell he was worshipping God. One day he looked down and said to himself that he was beautiful. From there it was downhill for him – a pretty crazy situation as he was the most beautiful angel and knew God’s Word more than anyone else. And God only wanted a relationship with him without distraction.
Here’s your challenge. Continue to find ways to connect with God and others without screens. You will be amazed at the difference it makes in your life.
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 mark@navtechfam.com.
