Posted on October 9, 2018 by Paris Renae
We are obsessed – with electronic communication.
Be it social media, text, email – all is a blinking prompt and words sent in seconds – that can’t be taken back. Even the best of writers are often misinterpreted, let alone the text that comes across as angry, the email that seems to accuse, and the social post that embarrasses.
But one thing it’s truly good for? Stirring up anger, division, hate – and a whole lot of hurt. Ooh, the enemy is rubbing his hands together. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud…” (2Timothy 3:1-2a)
But let’s say we choose our words with caution and we aren’t leaving a trail of electronic bitterness. Where are our eyes? Still on the screen. Children beg for mom’s/dad’s attention, spouses long for real conversation, friends lose closeness – all for the sake of not missing anything flashing away in cyber land.
So how can we conquer the slave master of our day and once again be people who look into each other’s eyes? Jesus said where our treasure is, there our heart is also. How easily distracted we can be. So God reminds us:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)
Satan is sly, clever, a true deceiver. What better way than the anonymity of a sleek phone. How many relationships destroyed by pornography and the privacy of our own little screen? How much discontent sewn by seemingly innocent posts about the perfect wedding, best decorated baby room, most creative dessert?
A song for children has these lines in it: ‘be careful little eyes what you see; be careful little ears what you hear; be careful little tongue what you say’. Why? Because these are gateways that can lead to great fulfillment or great sorrow. So be careful, the enemy is approaching and wants us to follow the crowd he’s gathering.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8 NIV)
Category: featuredTags: anger, anonymity, children, communication, devil, electronic, email, enemy, God, hate, heart, hurt, Jesus, life, lovers, master, perfection, phone, proud, satan, self-control, slave, social media, sorrow, text
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Great post! I wrote about the dangers of being preoccupied with our devices this week too. Your post brought up several good points. Thanks for sharing over at the ra ra link up.
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Tiffney, popped on over to your blog, love it! Blessings as your keep your focus on Him – and spread His fragrance…
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Such a good reminder, Paris. That picture of all the kids bent over their phones says it all, doesn’t it?
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And along with you I agree: God is good, God is faithful, God has a purpose. Blessings as you lift up your eyes to 🙂
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Yes, we need to put those darn electronics away and enjoy each other.
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This is such an important word. My husband and I have a long commute in the mornings, and it’s easy to automatically pick up my phone. I’m remembering those drives are also good opportunities to pray or talk together!
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I know – first thought is to flip on the radio or make a call – to be “productive” right? Like you said though some prayer time would be so much better – and much more productive 🙂
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Thank you for sharing these great insights. I remember the words of that song from over 50 years ago when I was young, but it is even more appropriate today. That enemy is still prowling around seeking to distract us from the better things of the Lord. I’m blessed to be your neighbor over at #Tuneinthursday this week.
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Bettie, yes he is on the prowl and even more so as his time grows shorter. Praying you and I will lift up our eyes more and more to our Jesus and help others along the way to do the same 🙂
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Thanks for the reminder! It is such a temptation for me to want to fix the world with all the crazy stuff being put out there….and then I am reminded to be still….thanks for the reminder!
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Yes, we think our words can make a difference – when really the words of life are only those of Jesus. Lifting up my eyes with you to the best Fixer 🙂
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I love Pinterest and blogging. But I have to have people to talk to in person. If you never put it down it can be a problem.
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Seems like humans are good at making a lot of good things unhealthy 🙂 Blessings as you lift your eyes more and more to Him….
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So well written (as always) & SO true!!! Sad to see all the young folks always connected to social media. . .they are missing so much!!!!!
You always open our eyes!!!! XOXOXO
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Yes, those younger, but we can be just as guilty right 🙂 Miss you, blessings as you keep your eyes on Jesus…
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