Our attention spans have never been more challenged than they are today. We have a plethora of technology today than we ever have in history. Even with the large consumption of content brought forth by the digital age, our concentration and comprehension has greatly diminished.
Although this is something that most with access struggle with, it is a greater challenge for Christians who have been caught up with the digital world, which has taken away from the spiritual. If you were to take an inventory of the time you spent on social media, video games, etc., and compare it to time studying God's Word and prayer, then you will find a vast difference. Sadly, the majority of that difference falls more on the former than the latter.
Have you ever spent so much time behind a screen that your attention span is negatively affected? How much worse is it on a Sunday morning when you're trying to hear your pastor preach, yet you can't concentrate? That's one way of realizing you've been caught up in the snares of the digital world. Not only does concentration go out the window but so does the ability to establish deep connections with others because we're so used to the instant gratification and dopamine hits we get from being online. Pornography is one prominent example of instant gratification, which, in turn, makes real relationships seem less gratifying.
As we approach the end of the year, it would be wise to take an inventory of our lives. As previously stated, examine your screen time with your time in God's Word and prayer. I believe for many Christians, myself included, we spend so much time online that we become spiritually complacent. You can't help but realize your devotional time has been lacking, much less delightful. If anything, this has been a low point in your walk of faith. Additionally, your mental and physical health has also taken a toll because you're neglecting yourself, too. But fret not; that is why taking inventory is so important: it will provide the self-examination necessary for self-improvement.
A New Beginning
With over a week before the New Year, consider implementing ways that will enhance your walk with God. For instance, if you feel like social media has distracted you from spending time with the Lord, then a digital detox is in order. Start the day by spending time in the Word of God and prayer rather than going straight to your phone. You can also turn off notifications so it doesn't bug you or delete the social media app temporarily so you're not constantly checking in. That can also include a fast from social media for a time– whether it's a few days, a week, or a month. It could even entail stepping away from it altogether. The choice is up to you.
There are tons of readings in a year's Bible plans that you can follow. I like the one by Robert Murray M'Cheyne because it covers the Old Testament once, while the New Testament and Psalms are covered twice! Perhaps you would like to follow one with friends from church and do a Bible study together when you can check in on what you're ready for. Book studies can also apply. Reading is a solid alternative to social media or anything digital-related. While you may not have that instant gratification, you will be able to learn and acquire knowledge by reading the Scriptures and then some.
In addition to studying the Scriptures, be in constant prayer, or as the Apostle Paul says, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Develop a habit of prayer for greater communication with God. Cultivate the habit of reading the Word alongside prayer. Pray God's Word back to him after you read. Fast, too, if you need to. Overall, prioritizing time with God matters. Let that not be secondary or optional in your life. As the Scripture states, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8, NASB). What the apostle Paul was basically telling Timothy "hey although physical discipline is good, spiritual discipline is better as it applies both now in this lifetime and eternity.
As we close, I want to share this quote by one of my favorite preachers, the late British evangelist Leonard Ravenhill, "Entertainment is the devil's substitute for joy. The more joy in the Lord you have, the less entertainment you will need." There is nothing the devil wants more than distracted Christians, and entertainment is one way to keep us distracted. So let us release whatever is holding us back from getting closer to God in 2025 and go all in. As the Word says, "draw near to God, and God will draw near to you." Friends, that is a promise! There is nothing the Lord wants more for His children than to draw closer to Him! Let us not, therefore, forsake the opportunity.
For additional help on your journey, here is one book, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport, that provides practical ways of managing technology with greater self-control rather than being consumed by it. Another solid book is James Clear's Atomic Habits, which is an excellent book on building a life of discipline. For one from a Christian perspective, I highly recommend Spiritual Disciplines for The Christian Life by Don Whitney.
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Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.