Have you noticed? Everyone is looking at their mobile device…constantly! In the grocery store. Around the dinner table. Driving down the road. Walking through town.

Consumed with a digital world, we are no longer conscious of the world God placed us in. Concerned about connections and messages we are losing real relationships with those who are closest to us on earth. We have added so much information and interaction to life – have we stopped to consider what we may be losing?

While we are looking at our phones…

1. We miss what is above us. When you are always looking down it is impossible to look up. Recently I walked outside and paused for a moment to look up. The clouds were amazing, the sky was stunning. And I wondered…how many times have I been too busy to see that? “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). Little thoughts about men will rob you of great thoughts about God. Time steals eternity from your mind. Look up, both literally and spiritually, and consider what a great God we have!
2. We miss what is around us. This created world – our world – His world – is ours to enjoy. Yet we have created new distractions. Indeed, that is what they are! The word “entertainment” comes from root words that mean to be controlled in the mind. When we are possessed by so much noise and busyness we cannot even consider the simple beauties and blessings that God has given us.
3. We miss those who are among us. How sad that we can become more interested in the lives of strangers online than the real people God has placed in our lives. Technology can divide a family and disrupt friendships. Real communication must be personal, meaningful, intentional. All around us are hurting people, needy souls. Someone today needs a word of encouragement, a smile, a kind gesture, a gospel witness – someone needs you to have your head up. Walk through the crowd slowly. Keep your eyes open and ask the Lord to make you an instrument of blessing to others.

There is no doubt that we will all use our phones. (You may be reading this article on your device now!) However, we must stay on guard that they do not use us. They are tools, resources, that can very easily become the master. Refuse to be enslaved to a device or app. The only Master that a Christian should have is Jesus. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Don’t miss God, what He has given you, and who He wants you to minister to today!