The Digital Fast
The Problem:
Technology has solved many problems for us, but it’s also subtly creating problems in us at the same time. We feel busier but less productive, connected but more alone, and we end each day feeling exhausted, unable to focus on one task at a time, and unable to make time for the things we claim are most important to us.
Technology is forming us consciously or subconsciously, shaping us, discipling us, and teaching us how to live, think, feel, speak, act, react, and interact. Begin to reclaim your time with a digital fast.
What is a Digital Fast?
Intentionally reduce digital distraction and deliberately increase spiritual devotion.
The Benefits:
Through decreased distraction and increased devotion, we are shaped, discipled, and taught how to live, think, feel, speak, act, react, and interact by being in God’s presence and Scripture.
The Challenge:
From now until Easter, turn your smartphone into a ‘dumb’ phone. Remove all the apps on your phone that are designed to distract and entertain you. Keep your productivity and utility apps (i.e., calls, texts, email, camera, calculator, Bible, etc.) and remove all the apps that distract and entertain (i.e., YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, games, etc.). Every time you reach for your phone to distract yourself or for entertainment, spend that time reading the Bible and pausing to pray.
Bonus Challenge:
In addition to the phone challenge, consider eliminating all screen time and as much technology as possible for a day or more each week. Spend this time to detach from technology, discover sin and idols in your life, delight in God, His creation, and people, and determine who or what is most important in your life.
