“One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.” John Piper
I heard this in a sermon recently and it was like a punch to the gut…and I obviously needed the reminder today because as I procrastinate writing this blog, I’ve been on Facebook and Instagram, mindlessly scrolling.
Social media has its time and place. I’m not against it by any means. You may have found this blog through social media post. But like anything, it must be done in moderation. When the balance gets tipped to overindulgence and escape, we have a problem. And it’s all too easy to waste so much time on something so meaningless.
The uncomfortable truth is that we have time for what we want to have time for. In the dating world, the saying “if he wanted to, he would” is popular. Meaning, if connecting with a potential woman is a priority, he’ll make it happen despite busyness, barriers etc. In the same way, if I really wanted to pray or have quiet time, I would make the time for it. The time is there, my discipline and motivation are lacking.
Some of the busiest people I know have the richest prayer lives and disciplined time set aside for Jesus. I, on the other hand, often find myself with unwanted free time and fill it with all sorts of things besides investing in spiritual growth.
One reason I don’t pray and study scripture as I should is honestly pure laziness. But I think part of it is that spending time on social media doesn’t take any effort. Prayer takes focus. Studying the Bible requires not only focus, but the possibility of conviction and confusion, depending on the section of Scripture being studied. This is uncomfortable. In the end it’s more fulfilling and satisfying, but in the moment, it can be challenging. The instant gratification of perceived relaxation while reading the comments on Facebook for the Kennett Community Board is much more appealing. Ultimately though, this still leaves me with the issue(s) I was using social media to try to escape.
Do I feel less lonely after spending time on social media? Is my anxiety better? Does my worry about friends and family lessen? Do I feel comforted in my grief? Do I have any growth to show for the time I spent scrolling? Are my relationships strengthened?
The answer to all of these is “no.” But if I switch the context to spending time in prayer and studying Scripture, the answer is “yes.” While it probably won’t completely resolve what I’m facing, it’s going to be more effective than anything I find online.
So how do I break this bad habit? I know there are apps and tools that limit your time on social media. But more than that I need accountability from friends and family. I want to have the inner drive to do it on my own, but at least at first, that’s not the case for me. It’s humbling, but I need someone else who can check in with me, ask how things are going and challenge me.
It’s also important to ask God to give me the desire and the motivation to dive into Scripture and prayer. It’s a spiritual battle and I am naïve to think that I can just muscle through on my own without God’s help.
Lastly, I should have a plan of what to do so I can get into a routine. But I also know in the past I’ve had a plan and fallen into black and white thinking: if I can’t do the whole routine, then I just don’t do it at all. So, a plan is good, but also having grace and flexibility are important. It’s also good to be creative and switch things up from time to time to keep things fresh and engaging.
With God’s help, on the Last Day I hope and pray that I will be recognized for my prayerfulness and not for the wasted hours I spent on social media. May this be true for you as well.
About the Blogger
Danielle (Dani) Rupp grew up in a small town in Ohio and is a true Buckeye fan, though she tries not to be obnoxious about it. In 2011 she came to PA to earn her Master of Social Work degree. After graduation Dani accepted a position as a mental health therapist for children and adolescents in Coatesville. She was a nanny for several years as well. During that time she lived in Kennett Square and attended Willowdale Chapel. She returned several years ago from South Asia where she learned to tolerate spicy food and cross the roads without being hit, as well as volunteered with International Justice Mission in their Aftercare Department. In her free time, Dani enjoys going on mission trips/traveling, running, reading, and connecting with loved ones—preferably over coffee and a sweet treat.