How many of you felt a pang of conviction this week when you pulled out your phone or turned on the TV? Maybe you paused for a moment, wondering if you were wasting time or filling your mind with trivial or even spiritually harmful content.
We live in a culture dominated by entertainment and distraction. The smartphone is always in our pocket. The TV is mounted on our wall. The laptop sits open on our desk. We have near-instant access to endless amusement. But what has this produced? We have become a generation that has forgotten how to be still, think deeply, and focus on eternal realities. Silence is rare. If we stand in line somewhere, we reach for our phones. If we have a spare moment, we scroll, watch, and consume. Our modern world does not encourage self-discipline, scriptural meditation, or sustained prayer. Instead, it feeds our addiction to distraction.
Scripture calls us to live differently. The Lord invites us to commune with him and live a life of worship. He commands, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Yet we fill our minds with noise. We crave entertainment, novelty, and instant gratification. We also sense that something is off. Why is it so hard to put the phone down? Why does prayer feel dull compared to a new show or the latest viral post?
Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 directly challenge the culture we live in: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This is not a suggestion. It is a command. Yet many Christians have unknowingly embraced the patterns of an always-online society. Digital life trains us to seek constant stimulation, making prayer and Bible reading seem boring. That is a serious issue. It reveals that our hearts have been shaped by worldly appetites rather than by the Lord’s.
John warns, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1Jn 2:15). The problem is not only the content itself. It is our affections. If the next season of a show excites us more than worship with the saints, something is wrong. Social media, television, and video games do not have to be overtly sinful, yet they can steadily erode our devotion to Christ.
So what should we do? We must be intentional. We need to examine our habits under the light of Scripture and take practical steps to guard our hearts and keep our use of technology in check. That is our focus today: twelve biblical principles to help us use technology wisely, guard our hearts, and nurture true fellowship with Christ.
1. Recognize the Heart’s Vulnerability to Idolatry
The first step is to be honest about the real problem: sin. This is not merely a matter of bad habits or a little overindulgence. It is a spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit. After Adam’s fall, sin corrupted every part of our being, including our desires. We look for fulfillment in things other than God, much like Israel turned from the true God to pagan idols.
In Jeremiah 2:13, God says, “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns … that can hold no water.” This was Israel’s sin, but it is also ours. We may not bow to Baal, but we have our own broken cisterns—our phones, our social media feeds, our endless amusements. We keep drinking from things that will never quench the soul.
Entertainment can become an idol. Anything that captivates us more than God is idolatry. John closes his first epistle with a clear command: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1Jn 5:21). This applies to the digital age as much as it did to the first century.
Technology itself is not sinful. The phone is not the real issue. It is our heart. Our flesh craves comfort, ease, and entertainment. It resists prayer and stillness before God. Galatians 5:17 says, “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit.” Our flesh seeks instant gratification, and modern tech offers that on demand. Paul warns, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Ro 8:8). If our media habits feed the flesh, they pull us away from God.
We need to be honest. Do we check our phones without thinking? Does prayer seem dull compared to the constant stream of digital content? Do we avoid spiritual reflection by staying glued to our screens? David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart … see if there is any grievous way in me” (Ps 139:23-24). That should be our prayer as well. We want God’s Spirit to expose our hidden idols and give us the grace to tear them down. If we do not, we will continue drifting. But if we do, we will cultivate a heart that seeks the Lord above all else.
2. Embrace the Goodness of True Rest
Many Christians equate holiness with relentless work, as if exhaustion is a sign of spirituality. But that is not biblical. Scripture calls us to rest in God. From the beginning, he set a pattern of rest. After creation, he rested on the seventh day (Ge 2:2). He was not tired. He was teaching us something. We are finite creatures who need rest for our minds and souls.
Jesus modeled this. In Mark 4:38, he fell asleep on a boat during a storm. In Luke 5:16, he withdrew to pray. He even attended a wedding feast (Jn 2:1-2). God has given us the gift of leisure and celebration. Ecclesiastes 2:24 says, “There is nothing better … than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment … This also … is from the hand of God.” Under the old covenant, Israel had feast days, not to burden them but to help them rejoice before the Lord (Lev 23). In Nehemiah 8:10, the people are told, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Rest is good, but there are two extremes. One extreme is ignoring our need for rest. Some wear themselves out, never pausing for spiritual or physical renewal. Yet God commanded Israel to observe the Sabbath (Ex 20:8-11). Though that command is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the principle remains. We are not meant to live in constant exhaustion.
The other extreme is mistaking mindless distraction for true rest. Binge-watching ten hours of videos is not real rest. It usually leaves us more drained. We were not created to be numbed by endless entertainment. We were created to find rest in Christ. Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” This points to our eternal rest in Christ, which begins now as we trust him rather than toil anxiously for worldly gain.
We need rest that recharges the soul, not just the body. The world offers distraction. God offers restoration. Which are we choosing?
3. Discern Between Edifying and Destructive Content
Entertainment is not neutral. What we watch and listen to will either build us up or tear us down. It will shape us into Christ’s image or conform us to the world. There is no neutral ground.
Paul says in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just … think about these things.” That is a command. We should not consume what is popular simply because it is there. We must be intentional, choosing what aligns with truth, honor, and righteousness. Too many Christians fill their minds with entertainment that celebrates worldliness and immorality.
Paul is even clearer in Ephesians 5:11: “Take no part in … the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” The entertainment industry often glorifies sin, mocks righteousness, and promotes immorality. If we believe we can absorb that without consequence, we are deceived. Scripture warns, “Bad company ruins good morals” (1Co 15:33). That applies to what we watch and listen to as well.
Yes, the Bible portrays sin. We read of David’s failures, Judas’s betrayal, and the world’s depravity before the flood. But Scripture never glamorizes evil or presents it as amusing. Modern media often normalizes sin, turns immorality into comedy, and numbs our consciences.
Ask yourself: Does my entertainment cause me to laugh at things that grieve the Lord? Do I find myself becoming numb to sin? Psalm 119:136 says, “My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.” That should be our response to iniquity, not amusement.
People often ask where to draw the line. Romans 14:5 reminds us that believers may differ in convictions. But the deeper question is this: Does my media stir my desire for holiness or dull my longing for God? If it becomes a stumbling block, Jesus gives a radical remedy: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out” (Mt 5:29). Better to live without that show or platform than to fall into sin.
So be discerning. Do not measure content by the world’s standards. Evaluate it by God’s Word. Walk away from what hinders your sanctification. Pursue what is edifying because we are called to be transformed by the renewal of our minds, not conformed to the corrupt patterns of this world (Ro 12:2).
4. Guard Your Time
Time is a gift from God, yet it is one of the most wasted resources in our day. We can lose hours to social media, television, gaming, or endless online rabbit holes before we even realize it. For many believers, this has become a serious spiritual problem.
Paul exhorts in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Look carefully then how you walk … making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” That is an urgent command. Life in this fallen world is fleeting. Every moment wasted on trivial distractions is lost forever. How often do we say, “Just one more episode,” only to find that we have binged half a season?
This is not just about efficiency. It is spiritual warfare. The enemy does not always lure us with obvious sins. Sometimes, he simply keeps us busy with trivialities. If we are distracted, we are unproductive for the kingdom. Modern entertainment caters to this, pulling us away from prayer, Bible study, family discipleship, and church involvement.
James 4:14 reminds us, “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Life is short. We are like vapor. Why would we squander our days on things that will not matter five minutes from now, let alone in eternity?
We must set boundaries. We must decide when and how long we will engage with entertainment. Some of us need to turn off notifications or remove certain apps. Others might limit screen time at night to focus on family worship. This is not legalism. This is wisdom. Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “stir up one another to love and good works” and not neglect meeting together. If we fill all our spare time with entertainment, we are neglecting fellowship, worship, and service. That is disobedient.
Psalm 90:12 prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Numbering our days means living with purpose. We rest when it is time to rest. We work when it is time to work. We worship when it is time to worship. Every moment we have is from the Lord. Our schedule reveals what we value. If Christ is our treasure, our time should reflect it. Do not let your time be stolen by the world.
5. Cultivate Prayer and Scripture as Daily Habits
You cannot simply remove worldly entertainment. You must replace it with something better. That is a biblical principle. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus warns that if a spiritual house is swept clean but left empty, it will be filled again, often with something worse. If you cut out distractions but do not fill that space with godly habits, you will drift back into old patterns.
The only way to renew our minds is through prayer and Scripture. These are not optional disciplines for believers. They are essential for spiritual growth, deeper fellowship with Christ, and guarding our hearts against worldly influences. Yet many of us spend more time on our phones in one day than we do in prayer and the Word all week. Then we wonder why we feel spiritually dry.
First, cultivate a consistent prayer life. Scripture commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Make time each day to seek the Lord. Psalm 5:3 says, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.” If the first thing you reach for in the morning is your phone, your priorities are misplaced. Start with prayer.
Second, commit to daily Bible reading. God’s Word is our lifeline. It is how we know his truth, feed our souls, and are shaped for holiness. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Some claim they cannot find time for regular Bible reading, yet they find time for social media. This is not a time issue. It is a heart issue. If you are not hungry for God’s Word, it is likely because you are filling your soul with junk.
Pick a reading plan. Some read the entire Bible in a year while others go slower. The method is not as important as consistency. Psalm 119:9 asks, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” The answer: “By guarding it according to your word.” If you want to resist worldly distractions, immerse yourself in Scripture.
Third, memorize Scripture. If you have time to check your phone while waiting in line, you have time to rehearse a verse in your mind. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” That does not happen if our minds are filled with nothing but notifications.
Your mind is either being shaped by God’s truth or by shallow distractions. There is no middle ground. Those who neglect prayer and the Word will grow weak. They will conform to the world and wander. But those who feed daily on Scripture and stay in prayer will stand firm. Pray fervently, read faithfully, memorize diligently. Let these habits anchor your heart in God’s unchanging truth.
6. Practice Discernment in Community
God never intended us to walk the Christian life alone. Yet many try to handle their entertainment struggles in private, thinking it is a personal matter. That is dangerous. Sin flourishes in secrecy. If we are not actively involved in biblical community, sharpening each other, exhorting each other, and holding each other accountable, we are far more susceptible to compromise.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Hebrews 3:13 adds, “Exhort one another every day … that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Sin is subtle, and our digital habits can be deeply ingrained. We might think we are in control, but over time, these patterns can lead to spiritual apathy.
First, be honest about your struggles. If you are binge-watching shows that dull your spiritual appetite, confess that to a trusted friend. If your phone use steals time from Scripture and prayer, ask someone to help you stay accountable. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” This is a biblical path to freedom.
Second, seek accountability. Ask a friend or mentor to check in on you regularly. If you keep falling into the same trap, spending hours consuming worthless content, or stumbling into sin, invite someone to help you stay vigilant. Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out” (Mt 5:29). He was not speaking literally but certainly radically. If an app or platform keeps leading you into sin, remove it. Better to be inconvenienced than entangled.
Third, pursue meaningful fellowship. Too often, Christians gather and end up watching a show or scrolling side by side. That is not biblical fellowship. Acts 2:42 describes the early church as devoted “to the apostles’ teaching … the fellowship … the prayers.” True fellowship is active, Christ-centered, and purposeful. Instead of defaulting to entertainment, why not discuss Scripture, pray together, or encourage one another in the faith? Hebrews 10:24 calls us to “stir up one another to love and good works,” not to share in digital distractions.
You cannot fight this alone. Isolation leads to compromise. Seek out believers who will walk with you, speak truth to you, and hold you accountable. This is how God designed the church. Are you living in that design, or are you trying to face temptation alone?
7. Respect Marriage and Family Bonds
One of the great tragedies of our time is the breakdown of the family. It often happens gradually, not through outright rebellion, but through constant distraction. Many households are full of people who are physically present but relationally absent. Parents and children sit in the same room, each lost in their own screen. Husbands and wives share a meal but barely speak. The enemy takes advantage of this.
God’s Word is clear about marriage. Husbands are to “live with [their] wives in an understanding way” (1Pe 3:7). Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church.” Christ’s love was sacrificial and focused. It was not distracted by trivial things. A man who barely engages with his wife because he is glued to his phone is failing in that calling.
Wives are called to respect their husbands (Eph 5:33). That respect cannot develop if the relationship is starved of genuine interaction. Marriage demands attention. It cannot thrive if constant entertainment steals time meant for one another.
The same applies to parenting. Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to “bring [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This requires active teaching, consistent correction, and setting a godly example. Yet many fathers let screens do the heavy lifting. Their children absorb more from YouTube than from their own parents.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” But how can parents train their children if their home is dominated by screens? If children see their parents using technology without restraint, they will follow that pattern. Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Co 11:1). Parents should model wisdom in their own media habits.
We must set boundaries in our homes. Perhaps no phones at dinner. Perhaps no TVs in bedrooms. Set aside time for family prayer and Scripture reading. Deuteronomy 6:7 commands parents to talk about God’s commands “when you sit in your house.” That cannot happen if everyone is in their own digital world.
Families do not collapse overnight. They erode through neglect and distraction. But it does not have to be this way. God’s Word gives clear direction. Will we follow it, or will we allow our marriages and families to wither while everyone stares at a screen?
8. Overcome the Fear of Missing Out
A major trap in our digital age is the constant pressure to stay connected and informed. People panic at the thought of missing a post, a headline, or a trending topic. This creates anxiety, distraction, and spiritual weakness.
But Scripture calls us to a different mindset. Colossians 3:1 says, “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is.” If our greatest concern is missing the latest online buzz, we are seeking the wrong things. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is not just a cultural quirk. It is a spiritual issue. It reveals that our hearts are more attached to this world than to God’s kingdom.
In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus gently rebukes Martha: “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” While Martha was busy and preoccupied, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’s feet. Many believers become so consumed with news, social media, and entertainment that they neglect true communion with Christ. They do not want to miss what is happening in the world, but they end up missing the better portion—fellowship with their Lord.
The truth is, the world’s stream of content never stops. You will never be fully “up to date,” and that is okay. God is sovereign. Daniel 4:35 declares, “He does according to his will … and none can stay his hand.” Our identity is not found in staying informed. It is found in Christ. John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him … he gave the right to become children of God.” That is our security, not being connected to the latest trend, but being united to Christ.
Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:4, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits.” We are soldiers of Christ in a spiritual war. We cannot afford to be weighed down by an obsession with worldly updates. We must stay focused on pleasing our King.
So let go of the fear of missing out. Stop chasing after every breaking headline. Your purpose is not to stay in the loop. It is to remain faithful. God’s plan does not depend on our constant connectivity. Our place in his kingdom is secure in Christ. That is all that truly matters.
9. Use Technology for Kingdom Purposes
Technology is not inherently bad. Like any tool, it can be used for good or for evil. The same platforms that flood the world with sin can also be used to proclaim the gospel. The question is not whether technology is good or bad, but whether we are using it to advance Christ’s kingdom or merely to indulge ourselves.
Even while imprisoned, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being preached (Php 1:18). If he could celebrate Christ being proclaimed under questionable motives, we should recognize the immense potential of technology to spread biblical truth. In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples they would be his witnesses “to the end of the earth.” Today, modern technology allows us to spread sound teaching, encourage believers, disciple new Christians, and share Scripture around the world.
Yet we must examine our motives. Are we truly using technology for ministry, or is that just an excuse while we waste hours online? Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That includes our screen time. If we are serious about honoring Christ online, we will share his truth, encourage others, and use digital tools to edify. But if our online activity consists mostly of distractions, we are fooling ourselves to call it “ministry.”
Paul also instructs in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” Technology can either strengthen our faith or dull our spiritual senses. It is not neutral. We should ask: Is our time online reflecting a heart for Christ’s mission, or is it mostly mindless consumption? We should use these platforms to build up, not to tear down. We should seize every opportunity to speak truth to a world desperately in need.
10. Reflect Often on Eternal Realities
Modern entertainment locks our attention on what is temporary and hides the eternal from view. It trains us to crave instant gratification, making us forget that life is fleeting. But Scripture commands us to fix our eyes on eternity.
Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” We are not meant to live as if this present world is all there is. Yet most entertainment revolves around immediate pleasure, distracting us from what truly matters.
James 4:14 reminds us, “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Everything in this world—every show, every viral clip, every trend—will vanish. Many Christians invest countless hours in staying updated with culture yet spend little time on what will matter in eternity. That is a tragic reversal of priorities.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory … as we look not to the things that are seen but … unseen. The things that are seen are transient, but … unseen are eternal.” Everything in this world is passing away. Why are we clinging so tightly to it?
When we stand before Christ, we will not regret missing a show or an online debate. We will regret the time wasted on things that had no eternal value.
The world wants us to waste our time. The devil wants us distracted. But Scripture calls us to live with eternity in view. Recognize that your true home is with the Lord, and invest your time in what will last forever. That is how we remain focused on the age to come, confident that Christ’s kingdom will be fully realized in the new creation.
I have two more principles, but we’ll save them for next time.
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