How much of our lives have we already spent in front of a screen?
Some of that time is unavoidable, since many of our jobs, finances, and responsibilities are conducted online. But how many more hours—or days or even years—have we given over to social media, entertainment, and games?
On the latest episode of her Fearless podcast, Cissie Graham Lynch opens up about her own struggle with managing screen time.
“Life is flying by … and we’re spending so much of our time every day on our phones,” said Lynch, citing recent reports. “What are we paying attention to when we spend an average of seven hours and four minutes on our phone a day?”
Too much time online can have a negative effect on every area of our lives—our health, our families, even our relationship with God.
What have we already missed by looking down at a screen?
Long before smartphones, tablets, or TVs began to monopolize our time, Scripture advised us to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time” (Ephesians 5:15–16, ESV). The Psalms also teach us to “number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, ESV).
“What if screen time is the device the enemy uses to distract us from the vibrant full life that Jesus gave us?” asks Lynch.
Throughout the episode, Lynch shares how her family is taking steps to limit this distraction—and increase quality time with each other and God. She also encourages listeners to reevaluate how they are spending their time.
“We have a responsibility to use our time wisely and to set that example for our children,” she said.