Think about that title. Is that not the great battle every Christian faces these days? Aren’t most of us constantly competing between our cell phones and everything else that’s important in our lives? This is the great war. This is what the Bible has led up to hasn’t it? You’re playing Clash Royale (pictured above), and you’re enemy just dropped a Giant. Do you have a David in your deck?
Now I know that real life isn’t exactly what I stated above, but sometimes it can feel like that. Everyone has a cell phone, or some sort of technology that takes away attention. How many times have you tried talking to your friends or spouse but they’re distracted by their texts, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.? Parents, how many times have you had to call your kid’s names before you had to physically walk into the room and take their video games away from them? Sometimes it really does feel like we’re losing the battle of humanity (and ultimately God) to this technology we have created.
If you’re having these same struggles, you’re not alone. I do the same thing. If you want some advice, here is what I would suggest.
Delete those Apps!
I know that you love your precious Facebook. You can’t live without that 50+ day snapchat-streak with that person you only talk to occasionally. How will you show off your epicness if you’re not dominating that local gym in Pokemon Go?
If you really want to do something about your addiction, than you should take some time to go through your phone and get rid of everything that causes you to waste your time. It’s not a bad thing to have Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and every other social media under the sun, but if you know that all you really need it for is keeping up with your true friends and family. Than maybe Facebook and Snapchat is all you really need. Maybe you don’t even need those?
Also if you find yourself using apps for the WRONG reasons (and you know what I’m talking about), then maybe you should consider getting rid of those ones too. I’m not condemning anyone that uses iFunny, but if you’re just looking for ways to ridicule people, or fill your hearts with impurity, than maybe you should get rid of it. Say you’re using Tinder to genuinely try and find someone to go on a clean date with (when you’re older, you don’t go out as much right?), then good for you. Say you’re using this app to get some good angles on some girls (or guys) you probably shouldn’t be checking out, then you already know that God isn’t too fond of that choice.
Use your time wisely!
If you honestly can’t live without your smartphones and Xbox’s and tablets, than you this is probably the option for you. You can have all these things (as long as you’re using these things appropriately), but learn to regulate yourself.
My little brother comes home from school most days, and hops on the Xbox until dinner gets there. Then he’ll slip out, get his food, not even finish it because he’s in such a rush, and get right back to those games. Like most kids his age, it also feels like he’s on Youtube watching people play video games more than even playing the games himself. Whenever I see this, I can only wish that I had that kinda time. Then I realize why I don’t do that.
In all reality, I do have this kind of time. What happens is I find myself choosing to spend some time with my girlfriend, or getting my homework done, or even simply reading a book (and I don’t like to read). I love my video games if you haven’t picked up on this yet, but I know my limits. Yes, I too get a little carried away sometimes trying to respond to my friends over text when I’m with someone, or recently I’ve been spending a little too much time playing Clash Royale. I spend my time choosing to get the important things done, and enjoying the little things when I have some real time to kill, or deserve to treat myself.
If you’re having troubles with either of these, my honest suggestion is pray about it. Be patient with yourself, and do what you feel like you need to do to keep yourself on track, and doing the important things in life.
MarbleTyler 