One thing you can do on your phone is search. In fact, of all the things people do on their phones these days, talking on the phone is not at the top of the list. According to Pew Research, browsing the internet and being on social media were the second and fourth most common activities people are doing on their phones. This is affecting teens and adults. Here is a quote from a news report from WFLI, “Elevated social media usage has also affected teenagers’ sleep quality and duration. Teen girls, especially, can experience body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem. More than half of teens have also reported seeing various hate based content on social media platforms, according to the advisory.”
 
The problem is this doesn’t just affect teens, adults are experiencing emotional effects as well. The American Journal of Psychiatry has reported an increase in anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and a decrease in attention span because of the increase in social media viewing. You might guess that many people use their phones to do this. 

When we extrapolate this data and apply it in a spiritual context, then the phones and the way we use them (which is really the key) are causing issues of self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, and instead of seeing ourselves in the way God has created us, we end up comparing ourselves to the mythical imagery that people show of their lives. How is it possible to compete when the average Bible user reads the Bible three to four times per year, according to Barna, but the average person spends 4 to 5 hours a day on their phones, according to RescueTime. Is there any wonder many are struggling to grow in their walk with the Lord?  

To conquer this phone issue, we must get into the habit of putting it down. I know they are small enough to fit in our pockets, but it’s okay from time to time to leave the room and leave your phone behind. The problem is not the phone because that is just a tool. The problem is how we use it and relate to it. When you fix that, then the phone can go back to its rightful place and no longer be a danger to your spiritual development.

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