Resisting Digital Distraction

In the frenetic pace of modern life, where screens clamor for attention and notifications demand immediate response, one of the greatest threats to the Christian life today lurks not in overt persecution or even great temptation, but in the subtle seduction of distraction. Diversion is the thief that steals our moments of prayer, the noise that drowns out the whispers of grace, and the barrage of limitless information (both true and false) that dilutes our focus on what matters most. In this age of hyper-connectivity, where the world vies for our attention at every turn, mastering the art of undistracted discipleship becomes paramount for those seeking to walk faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. 

Today, the most common distraction for many of us is our smartphone. Our devices’ siren call to easy access to anything, everywhere at the tap of a finger has become one of the largest obstacles to living an abiding life with Christ. Sitting quietly in a room or standing in the grocery line is no longer a place of opportunity for connecting with God and connecting with others; instead, it is the initiating circumstance whereby we reach into our pockets or bags to pull out a screen and divert our attention away from the present moment. 

But this isn’t only a modern problem. French mathematician, physicist, and Christian philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) wrote of people in his own time, “I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own chamber”. Life in mid-17th century France lacked many of the technologies that we use to enjoy more comfortable living today, and yet, even then, the heart of mankind was restless and sought distraction. Pascal continues, “But take away diversion, and you will see [people] dried up with weariness. They feel then their nothingness without knowing it; for it is indeed to be unhappy to be in insufferable sadness as soon as we are reduced to thinking of self and have no diversion.” 

Perhaps a reason we are so easily diverted from thinking of Christ and looking instead towards our screens is that we are unwilling to face this sense of “nothingness.” Perhaps we begin to feel a sense of being “dried up with weariness” when there is no one left but me and God. 

While we acknowledge that this struggle to remain present to God and ourselves is not unique to this age, we also must confront the reality that our devices do wield a profound influence on us.

Technology isn’t Neutral 

One thing we want to understand about technology is that it is a tool. And technology is not intrinsically bad or good. It is our job to steward technology and apply it for God’s purposes. But we should also consider the reality that technology is also not neutral. Technology is not sitting still waiting for you to direct it. It has plans for you. Our devices have an agenda. They have a direction in which they want you to move, a decision they want you to make. About this, Christian ethicist Oliver O’Donovan said in an interview, “Tools set the agenda. A tool of communication is a tool for communicating something. Media don’t just lie around passively, waiting for us to come along and find them useful for some project we have in mind. They tell us what to do, and, more significantly, what to want to do. There is a current in the stream, and if we don’t know how to swim, we shall be carried by it. I see someone doing something and I want to do it too and forget whatever it was that I thought I wanted to do.” 

So, this pull of distractedness, that comes to us through our devices, can inhibit any intentionality we form towards living a life of abiding in Christ and loving those around us. We may start off the day with good intentions, but many of us fail regularly to carry them out because our deepest desires are hijacked by more immediate desires which are more easily satisfied (at least momentarily) with the swipe of a finger. This digital distractedness is the water in which we live, and if we don’t learn how to swim, its subtle current will simply move us along eventually carrying us where we didn’t mean to be. 

So, what does learning to swim in the waters of this digital age look like? 

Swimming Against the Current 

The first step in accomplishing anything is to set your will to it. You must decide to swim against the current of digital distraction amidst a society that isn’t. And in order to set your will to it, you must be convinced of its goodness. You must come to know the beauty and value of a flourishing life free from constant diversion and focused with a singular heart set on Jesus, as the psalmist says,

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4) 

Once that intention is formed, you may begin to slowly adopt and/or extend practices that Christians throughout generations have found to be helpful means in learning to live in undistracted devotion to Jesus. The spiritual discipline of stillness is just one practice that can train us to swim against the current of a digital age. 

Stillness as Training 

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 

Through the discipline of stillness, we confront our temptations to seek peace and comfort in anything other than God – even in other people. In stillness we “unplug” from our devices and allow the Holy Spirit to help us decompress from the busyness, noise, and nonstop stimulation of modern society. In stillness we slow down long enough to feel the emotions we’ve distracted ourselves from feeling. We face the good, bad, and ugly of our own hearts. We expose who we really are as we step out from behind the many diversions we use to forget. But we are exposed in a safe space with our loving Creator who cares for us and receives the humble. 

Consider these steps as a short guide to help you practice stillness today: 

1. Set a place and time. If you’re new to this, we recommend just starting with 5-10 minutes. 
2. Put away your phone and any other distractions and get comfortable. 
3. Close your eyes and allow your mind and body to slow down and rest. To help – try taking a few slow, deep breaths. 
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus your thoughts on Jesus. As you practice, if your mind starts to wander, don’t worry about it, just calmly redirect your attention back to God. 
5. Notice God’s presence in and around you. You might even want to imagine him sitting in the room with you. 
6. As your mind and body become quiet, you may be reminded of some scripture you’ve memorized, or a favorite hymn, or your spirit may be prompted to pray. Respond as your heart is moved, but don’t feel like you need to “do” anything. The main goal is to recognize God’s nearness and enjoy it. 
7. To close, thank God for the gift of this time and commit to learning how to cultivate an awareness of his presence throughout the rest of your day. 

To view the PDF, click here.

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For Further Information

Technology Principles

Family Technology Plan

Technology Discussion Aids

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