articlesforchristians

Balancing Screen Time: A Guide to Mindful Usage

Screens can be good, and screens can be bad. Back when the television was the main screened device, my mother used to say, I know where the knob is, and I know how to turn it off. Today with screens being everywhere, it is getting harder and harder to simply turn it off. However, everyone including me needs time away from screens. Here are some scriptures to consider when thinking about what you are seeing on your cell phone, tablet, Televison, computer, laptop, smart watches, computerized notepad, and gaming devices.

• Psalm 119:37 ESV Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
• Psalm 101:3 ESV I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
• 1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
• Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
• Ephesians 5:11 ESV Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
• Philippians 4:8-9 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
• 1 John 2:15 KJV Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.