God
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In Christian spirituality, one seeks to develop a divine perspective through intimacy with God. A variety of spiritual practices based on Jesus’ teachings (which involve devotion, reflection, and action) help us draw closer to God and gain a better understanding of the meaning and purpose of life.”

Do you find it challenging to grow spiritually in today’s digital age with its constant attractions and distractions around you? True, social media, video games, and other forms of entertainment can easily consume our time and divert our attention from our spiritual journey. 

However, it is possible to spiritually progress and thrive in this digital age. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Disconnect to Connect: 

Social media has revolutionised how we communicate and connect with people. While social media can be a great way to stay in touch with people, it can also be a huge distraction from our spiritual growth. 

We spend much time on social media because we constantly scroll through our media feeds. Worse, we compare ourselves to others and feel anxious or dissatisfied. 

 To grow spiritually, it’s important to cut the “noise” and the “clutter”. You should take regular breaks from social media and digital devices. Instead, you can connect with nature, spend time in silence or solitude, or engage in meaningful conversations with your loved ones.

Practice Gratitude: 

When you uncritically accept digital technology, it can quickly overwhelm your life with a torrent of megabytes and megapixels. You overlook the many blessings you enjoy in your life because you are constantly bombarded with newsfeeds. Nevertheless, practising gratitude can help us connect to our spiritual selves and cultivate a spiritual mindset.

Practising Gratitude can bring about significant changes in our lives. It is simple yet powerful. If you constantly focus on the good things, you can enjoy increased happiness, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose.

So, take a few moments every day to practise gratitude. You could be thankful even for small things like a warm meal or a kind word from a friend. Best if you could make this a daily habit by keeping a gratitude journal or sharing it with a friend. 

Meditate or Pray: 

In the digital age, our minds can be easily overwhelmed by the constant stimulation and instant dopamine rush. You need inner peace to deepen your spiritual life, and therefore, it’s important to make time for prayer. 

Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, and focus on God’s Word. Alternatively, you could pray or engage in various devotional practices meaningful to you.

Read Scripture: 

Reading Scripture can be a great way to deepen our understanding of our faith and connect with the divine. The Bible is a treasure trove of spiritual insights and inspiration. Set aside time each day to read a passage or chapter, and reflect on how it applies to your life.

Serve Others:  

In the digital age, it can be easy to become self-absorbed and focused on our own needs and desires. To grow in spirituality, you must focus on others and serve those in need. This could involve volunteering, visiting the sick or elderly, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in need. 

When we serve others, we’re reminded of the interconnectedness and the importance of compassion and kindness.

Belong to a fellowship

While it’s possible to grow in spirituality on our own, attending a fellowship can provide a sense of community and support. Your local church can provide meaningful connections and opportunities for learning, reflection, and growth, all of which can aid in your spiritual development.

Practice Self-Care:

In the digital age, it’s easy to neglect our physical and emotional health in favour of screens and distractions. However, self-care is an essential component of spiritual growth. This could involve getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, engaging in physical exercise, or engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. 

When you prioritise your own well-being, you will be better able to serve others.

Final words

Growing in spirituality in the digital age requires intentionality and discipline. It’s easy to get distracted by the constant stream of information and entertainment around us, but with the right mindset and practices, we can deepen our spiritual lives and connect with the divine.

Samuel Thambusamy is a PhD candidate with the Oxford Center for Religion and Public Life.