The digital world is full of promise and potential. We live in an age of ‘information explosion’ where we have easy access to information on any topic. However, they also present us with obstacles that we need to overcome.
One such pitfall is the compulsion to spend an unhealthy amount of time on the internet, known as ‘Digital Addiction’. It can severely reduce productivity, cause insomnia, and destroy relationships. Furthermore, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
Here are 10 ways we can tackle ‘Digital Addiction’.
Seek God’s Guidance
Firstly, acknowledge the problem and surrender to God completely. It is important that we remember that God can make this process a lot easier.
Pray for wisdom and strength, asking Him to help you regain control over your screen time.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
Set Clear Boundaries
Secondly, establishing clear limits on screen time is crucial on this journey to freedom. Knowing that we have the power to say ‘no’ is half the battle won.
Create an environment where technology serves you, and not the other way around.
“Be self-controlled and alert” (1 Peter 5:8).
Practice Sabbath Rest
Setting apart a day to forego Social Media and its traps cannot only put us in a better mood but can also make us see things we haven’t noticed before. Furthermore, A day of rest can revitalise you and help accelerate your journey to freedom.
Use this time to engage in prayer, worship, and quality time with loved ones.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
Cultivate Real Relationships
It is quite ironic that Social Media is often what keeps people apart. When we focus on those around us, we build more meaningful and deep friendships. Furthermore, we grow to be more rounded individuals.
Prioritize face-to-face interactions and intentionally invest time in meaningful relationships.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
Prioritise Quality Time with God
Isolating ourselves from the world of noise and connecting with God is invaluable. It can also be a time of Peace, Hope, and Rejuvenation.
Use this solitude to reflect, meditate, and hear His voice.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).
Practice Mindfulness
Oftentimes, we rush through life with a Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO). In other words, we want to be a part of every post and every tweet. It is important to learn the beauty of being still in the presence of God.
Engage in activities without distractions, focusing on the beauty and blessings in your life.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Engage in Physical Activities
We need to learn to stimulate all our senses. For instance, a walk in the park, a game of football, or exercise can keep us fit and help clear our minds. It is also imperative that we remember to keep our bodies fit and energised.
Take care of your body, which is a gift from God, and engage in activities that promote overall well-being.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Read and Reflect on Scripture
In a world where influencers and social media celebrities are given prominence, the Word of God helps to set our priorities in order. God’s Word can help us be grounded in reality and separate fact from fiction.
Prioritise reading and reflecting on God’s Word every day.
“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the LORD” (Psalm 1:1-2).
Serve Others
When we serve others, we are retraining our minds to focus on the needs of those around us. This often helps us build deep and meaningful relationships and also helps us become more like Christ.
Volunteer a portion of your time, talents, and resources to make a positive impact in your community.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
Seek Accountability
Lastly, it also helps to find good, reliable, and trustworthy mentors who can help us along our journey to freedom. They can help us guard our blind spots and spur us on to seek greater control over our digital lives.
Find someone you can trust and share your struggles and celebrate your victories.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
In Conclusion
The power of choice is in our hands. Every click, scroll, and swipe is a choice we make. Being mindful that we are ultimately in control is indispensable in our pursuit of Digital Spirituality. May our choices reflect the freedom we have in Christ and help us reach our potential.
The digital world can either build us up or tear us down depending on how we interact with it (Romans 6:16).
