Let’s be real—you’re probably reading this on your phone, aren’t you? We’re all guilty of it! We’ve become information junkies, gobbling up over 7 hours of screen time every single day—yep, that’s the 2024 average for Americans! We’re talking 3.5 hours scrolling on our phones and another 2.5 hours glued to the TV. That’s a ton of time soaking in digital content, and let’s be honest, most of it’s just noise or as some may say: it is information that has entertainment-value.
Why is it so hard to put the phone down? Because apps are designed to hook us! Those endless scrolls and autoplay videos? They’re like digital quicksand, pulling us in deeper. Sneaky algorithms feed us content we can’t resist, while every like, comment, or notification sends a dopamine hit straight to our brain—that is the rush of instant gratification that you feel. Our phones are always right there, begging us to pick them up and scroll through one more post, one more video. No effort, just instant gratification. It’s addictive.
Here’s the kicker: we’re consuming a mind-blowing 34 GB of info daily—imagine binge-watching 17 two-hour movies every day! Most of its unfiltered, secular, and honestly, not doing much for our souls. Meanwhile, guess how much time the average American spends reading the Bible? Barely 5 minutes a day—if that! For believers, this scroll-over-scripture habit is a game-changer, and not in a good way.
What Happens When You Choose Scroll Over Scripture?
When your phone becomes your go-to and God’s Word gathers dust, the impact is real—and it’s not pretty:
-Your Faith Takes a Hit: The Bible is your lifeline to God—your guide for faith, wisdom, and staying grounded (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Without it, your connection to Him starts to fade. Instead of filling up on truth that lifts your spirit, you’re drowning in a sea of viral videos and hot takes, leaving no room for prayer, reflection, or real fellowship. “I’m too busy!” we say, but those 3.5 hours on our phones tell a different story.
-You Get Sucked into the World’s Noise: Unfiltered content bombards us with clashing worldviews and questionable stuff that adds zero value (Romans 12:1-2). The constant dopamine hits from social media make it tough to slow down for deep, meaningful practices like prayer or Bible reading. Those require focus and calm—two things scrolling steals from us. Studies back this up: too much screen time messes with our attention spans, leaving us restless or bored when we try to focus.
-You Lose Your God-Given Purpose: Scripture reminds us who we are in Christ and what God’s called us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Without it, it’s easy to chase worldly validation—think likes, followers, or that perfect Insta post. Instead of growing closer to God and His people, we get caught up in the social media spotlight, measuring our worth by virtual applause.
-Your Mind and Heart Get Weighed Down: All that scrolling fuels anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue—science proves it! The pressure to stay “connected” to the online world can leave you spiritually disconnected and emotionally drained, robbing you of the peace God’s Word brings (Proverbs 12:25).
Flip the Script: Choose Scripture Over Scroll!
Ready for a change? It’s time to put your faith first and kick the scrolling habit to the curb! Here’s how to spark a spiritual comeback:
-Set Some Boundaries: Try app time limits or a no-phone zone during dinner or devotion time. Reclaim those hours for what matters!
-Start now: Dedicate a specific time each day for daily Bible reading and prayer, even if you start with a shorter amount of time.
-Seek Accountability: Stay encouraged and connected with other believers by committing to go to your churches services during the entire week.
-Clean Up Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that drag you down or distract you from your faith. Curate content that inspires and uplifts.
If your faith feels shaky, your prayer life’s nonexistent, or you’re just plain exhausted by the world’s chaos, there’s a simple fix: choose scripture over scroll. Swap the endless feeds for the eternal truth of God’s Word. Let the Holy Spirit guide you back to peace, purpose, and a faith that’s on fire. You’ve got this—one verse, one prayer, one moment at a time. So, what’s it gonna be: another scroll session or a soul-reviving dive into scripture? Let’s make the right choice today!
All you have to do is to choose scripture over scrolling!
Amen! That’s right!
God and His Word are the guide to keep us upright and firm on His path; and it is a divine source to keep us well-nourished, united, and strengthened to overcome the various challenges that come our way.
Grace, Peace, and Mercy from Holy Father be with you, Pastor Fischer, and upon all the brothers and sisters.