Digital Detox by Wendy SpeakeSample

Day One

Trading in Our Distractions

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; Matthew 22:36–39; Colossians 3:1–2

My name is Wendy, and I’m exhausted. Perhaps it has something to do with late nights spent streaming movies, or maybe it’s because I don’t have any quiet moments without a screen stimulating me. I’m all tweeted out. I need to unplug for a season so that I can plug in to the One who seasons me. I want to be salty again. I want to be light-bright too, with energy to serve and smile, but I’m as drained as the battery on my phone—and I know I’m not alone. 

We all seem to be looking down these days. I wonder if that’s why many of us feel down too. We perpetually bow our heads, but not in prayer. While we might believe prayer works, we don’t have the time to get on our knees because we’re on our phones. Checking in online, responding to a text, watching a YouTube video—then looking up just in time to snap a picture of the sunset. As we post it to social media, we realize our neck aches and that we forgot to switch out the laundry. 

In Matthew 22:36–39, an expert in the Levitical law asked Jesus, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” This man was really asking Him, “What matters most?” 

“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

Nothing in my life has made loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind more difficult than my constant connection to my devices. The same is true when it comes to loving my real-life neighbors. Devices are divisive. 

I know this feels countercultural, and indeed it is. But Jesus said if we’re going to follow Him, we must deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24). Let’s look more deeply at what it means to exchange our online distractions for real-life devotion. 

Dear Lord, You are good and good for me, and You desire to grow me up to be good, just like You. I need more time with You, Lord. I don’t want anything to get in the way of that sanctifying relationship. I am choosing You, the good Gift-Giver, over any good gift. In the good name of Jesus, Amen.