Holy Hotkeys: Control+Alt+Delete My Digital Demons

During my devotions this morning, I was struck by Romans 13:13-14. The verses about "walking becomingly as in the day" really made me pause and reflect on my daily habits. It's interesting how Paul talks about putting on Christ, like it's a conscious choice we make each morning - as real as choosing what clothes to wear.

I've been thinking a lot about my relationship with social media and my phone lately. Today during my lunch break, I caught myself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, and something clicked. All these images and videos I consume... they're not neutral. They either draw me closer to the Lord or pull me away. There's no real middle ground.

I remember Pastor James saying last Sunday that it's not about being legalistic, but about being intentional. That really resonates with me now. Instead of setting strict rules like "no TV" or "no social media," maybe it's about changing how I engage with these things.

Today I tried something different. Before opening YouTube, I actually paused and prayed, "Lord, be present with me as I watch this. Help me see things through Your eyes." It felt a bit awkward at first, but it completely changed how I viewed the content. I found myself naturally gravitating toward more uplifting videos, and I closed the app much sooner than usual.

What's really convicting is how different I feel when I start my morning with prayer and Scripture versus when I start by checking my phone. It's like choosing between pure spring water and sugary soda - both quench thirst, but only one truly nourishes.

Note to self: Maybe I could try setting specific times for social media? And start each session with prayer? It's not about restriction - it's about making space for what truly matters. As Paul said, it's about "putting on Christ." I want that to be my daily choice.

Lord, help me be more mindful of what I feed my spirit. Guide me in making choices that draw me closer to You, not just avoiding what pulls me away. I want to walk in the light, truly "as in the day."

Need to meditate more on this verse tomorrow. There's something powerful here about daily choices and spiritual awareness that I want to grasp more fully.

Until tomorrow

Chaplain Mark