A few verses in, and my cell phone begins to vibrate.
At first I ignore it, however.. "It might be important?"
Picked up my phone, and looked at the text message I had received ... from facebook.
With that, I proceeded to grab my computer and check my facebook.
After a few minutes of reading the message I had gotten, and scrolling down my homepage to see what everyone else was doing, I finally decided I had enough. I shut my computer and set it aside.
Then I picked up my Bible again.
A few verses in, and my cell phone begins to vibrate.
Again, I try to ignore it.. but I can't. It was a text from my cousin in memphis!
Great! Fantastic to hear from you! But.. Now these distractions are getting on my nerves.
Picked up the bible.. again.
Phone went off.. again. UGH.
Now, growing up in a generation of technology, It is hard to just put our "connections" aside and try to connect with God. I even think that I am now trained to answer my phone when it vibrates. In Psychology, it is called classical conditioning. I think that is why many people "think" their phone vibrated, or rang, but really it didn't.
The dependency that I have, and that I know others have, on petty technology is actually decreasing my abilities to have face-to-face relationships with other people. As well as alone time with God.
So this got me thinking:
What other daily things distract me from God?
.. so I made a list :)
1. Cellphones- HUGE one. We never go anywhere without our cellphones anymore. Texting, calling, our phones are ALWAYS on, and ALWAYS ready. I like to picture that my cellphone is a gun, and I am in an old western movie. As soon as it vibrates.. BAM. its out in my hand. ( I probably spun it around my figures a few times too.. but obviously too fast for me to actually realize.)
2. Computers- Even at work, computers are a huge distraction for me. Not only do they have access to the internet, but even when the internet is down, there are games, movies, "paintshop".. You can keep yourself busy for hours.
3. Facebook- This one somewhat falls under both cellphones and computers. I have my cellphone connected to my facebook so that I can get alerts and respond immediately to them. Ridiculous? Very much so. Especially when you have a long thread of messages between a group of people. And honestly? I don't need to know what all my friends are doing.
4. TV- Now, being in a college dorm where cable isn't provided.. you would think that our time is devoted more towards studying. WRONG, ha. Hulu is an excellent source of my favorite TV shows. I also am a movie fanatic.. and I have a TV in the dorm. Put two and two together.. and you get distractions.
5. Classes- While classes are good to attend, and I need to get an education, a lot of my time and energy is wasted on homework, or stressing over classes.
6. Social Obligations- This could be setting time aside to hang out with a certain person, or it could be the time I spend talking to people on skype, or facebook chat. Also, when people enter my dorm room, I am often obligated to talk.
7. General Noise- When I read my bible, I like it to be in a peaceful and comfortable setting. However, as soon as I open my window, I hear others things besides God's word. I'll get distracted by the noise outside, the noise in the next room, or the noise in the hall.
Solutions?:
1: God comes first, always. People can wait.
2: Turn off computer, phone, Tv. etc.
5. Classes- While classes are good to attend, and I need to get an education, a lot of my time and energy is wasted on homework, or stressing over classes.
6. Social Obligations- This could be setting time aside to hang out with a certain person, or it could be the time I spend talking to people on skype, or facebook chat. Also, when people enter my dorm room, I am often obligated to talk.
7. General Noise- When I read my bible, I like it to be in a peaceful and comfortable setting. However, as soon as I open my window, I hear others things besides God's word. I'll get distracted by the noise outside, the noise in the next room, or the noise in the hall.
Solutions?:
1: God comes first, always. People can wait.
2: Turn off computer, phone, Tv. etc.
3: Plan ahead to set time aside in the day, that way you can also plan for your work.
4: Find a quiet area. Commit to it remaining quiet.
4: Find a quiet area. Commit to it remaining quiet.
While sometimes these connections are great to have, I do not want to be dependent on them. I rather be dependent on things that draw me closer to God. [Another list]
1. The Bible- Well, it is God's Word.. so if that isn't helping me become closer.. then theres a problem.
2. Friendships- I want to surround myself with people who will build me up, and encourage my walk with God, not criticize or judge my beliefs. I also want friends of character, so that I can build up my character. This would also encourage me to be less pressured into worldly things, and avoid worldly situations (such as drinking, drugs, parties) altogether.
3. Music- I love music, I love to just sing or play piano. I love doing it alone though. Recently, after reading a psalm or two, I am inspired to write worship songs. Sometimes the songs talk about how broken I am, or are calls to God for help. I think music is one way to personally connect spiritually with God. Also, the music I chose to listen to. Rapping about how you want to get drunk isn't all that glorifying to God, ha.
4. Climate- By this I mean school, work, peoples houses I chose to hang out at, etc. I am blessed to be going to a private, Christian college, but even among such a great, spiritually encouraging environment, temptation happens. Also, I surround myself with posters and pictures in my room. I have a collection of movies as well, but which ones are going to pull me close to God, and which ones are going to pull me away?
5. Church/Chapel- For me, church and chapel not only are places of learning, but they are a fountain where I can rejuvenate my soul. The On-campus chapel I try to attend, is always a welcomed break in my week. There, I can praise and focus on God, and renew my spirit for the oncoming day/week.
1. The Bible- Well, it is God's Word.. so if that isn't helping me become closer.. then theres a problem.
2. Friendships- I want to surround myself with people who will build me up, and encourage my walk with God, not criticize or judge my beliefs. I also want friends of character, so that I can build up my character. This would also encourage me to be less pressured into worldly things, and avoid worldly situations (such as drinking, drugs, parties) altogether.
3. Music- I love music, I love to just sing or play piano. I love doing it alone though. Recently, after reading a psalm or two, I am inspired to write worship songs. Sometimes the songs talk about how broken I am, or are calls to God for help. I think music is one way to personally connect spiritually with God. Also, the music I chose to listen to. Rapping about how you want to get drunk isn't all that glorifying to God, ha.
4. Climate- By this I mean school, work, peoples houses I chose to hang out at, etc. I am blessed to be going to a private, Christian college, but even among such a great, spiritually encouraging environment, temptation happens. Also, I surround myself with posters and pictures in my room. I have a collection of movies as well, but which ones are going to pull me close to God, and which ones are going to pull me away?
5. Church/Chapel- For me, church and chapel not only are places of learning, but they are a fountain where I can rejuvenate my soul. The On-campus chapel I try to attend, is always a welcomed break in my week. There, I can praise and focus on God, and renew my spirit for the oncoming day/week.
6. Studying- There is a professor on campus who always says "Study is Worship." That is something I have been known to take advantage of. Personally, I do not like studying unless it is of personal interest. But I am learning that to please God, I must respect the authority figures placed above me. If that includes accomplishing my homework... then I must do it.
7. Self-Care- One way to honor God is to honor his temple, or my body. Ways to do this would include working out regularly, eating healthy, maintaining good habits (including a positive attitude), and good hygiene as well.
8. Prayer- I don't remember where I heard this, but.. "Pray until you want to." That phrase has stuck with me. Sometimes, it might feel like a chore to pray. But recently, I am in constant prayer and praise. However, I know that I will hit a roadblock of a time where I might not want to pray. I am trying to prepare my heart and my mind now by always praying. Also.. it's a good way to build a habit of prayer.
So in a transitional time where I am trying to change, I have to be conscious of creating the right environment for myself and my walk with God. Anything that hinders my walk needs to be removed or reconstructed.
I am on the narrow path, one that is currently under construction.
Step Three.
8. Prayer- I don't remember where I heard this, but.. "Pray until you want to." That phrase has stuck with me. Sometimes, it might feel like a chore to pray. But recently, I am in constant prayer and praise. However, I know that I will hit a roadblock of a time where I might not want to pray. I am trying to prepare my heart and my mind now by always praying. Also.. it's a good way to build a habit of prayer.
So in a transitional time where I am trying to change, I have to be conscious of creating the right environment for myself and my walk with God. Anything that hinders my walk needs to be removed or reconstructed.
I am on the narrow path, one that is currently under construction.
Step Three.
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