App-StinenceSample

Affects of Distraction

I cannot begin to cover them all here, but the negative effects of too much stimulation from apps, computers/internet/TV/gaming/etc. are insurmountable. The young, developing brains of young children and teens are greatly affected by continual screen time. It is a spiraling pit of destruction, just the way the enemy likes it. We may not be trying to give the devil any ground to work with, but we certainly are when it leads to neglect of the time we need to be with Jesus.

Jesus came to FREE us from such bondage! When we cannot go a day without hours of screen time and have no self-control, then we are slaves to the screens. (Gal. 4:9)

The Bible tells us that in the end times, there will be an increase in knowledge. (Daniel 12:4) Did you know that this increase has been exceeding expectations beyond what any scholar from years ago could have imagined? The TV, radio, and internet have done this, and continue to do so. We have the world at our fingertips. Most knowledge is obtainable now via Artificial Intelligence, to the point of being scary. Children are no longer safe in the presence of such vast knowledge, yet here we go, giving them access for just a few moments of peace. It only takes one second of the eyes (the Lamp of your body) [Matt. 6:22-23] to be corrupted and darkened by taking in one wrong visual, or to hear one terrible statement, to cause trauma that lasts for years to come.

I've seen terrible side effects of screen addiction in teens and adults, as well. The gaming industry is a serious problem for young adults and older adults alike. These games will cause one to ignore not only the people in their lives but also important tasks, leading to angst, irritation, acting out, and disobedience in young people.

Excessive screen time can leave the brain revved up in a constant state of hyperarousal. Hyperarousal looks different for each person. It can include difficulties with paying attention, managing emotions, controlling impulses, following directions, and tolerating frustration.

We go, go, go, and do, do, do, when God tells us to be STILL. (Psa. 46:10)

He wants us to have peace, but it's not a commodity readily available to those who feel they need constant stimulation.

PRAYER:

God, help me to see what You want me to see in this content. Help me to apply Your Truths, to squelch the enemy's tactics against my heart, mind, spirit, and life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.