Setting healthy boundaries with technology is a challenge. We are far more accessible through our cell phones than when we used landlines and answering machines! This is especially true when we use our phones throughout the day in multiple ways– for work, for cooking, for appointment reminders, for talking to grandma, for listening to music, and so much more.
While your phone might be “necessary” for some of your daily tasks, you may still find yourself absentmindedly scrolling through social media when you should be answering an email. Social media is a double-edged sword. It is a wonderful tool to minister the gospel to the multitudes and connect with friends and family who are far away from us. But, it can also spark comparison, discontentment, and continuous distraction.
I believe God desires for us to remain awake and aware so things like social media do not steal valuable time away from those right in front of us. I cannot tell you how many times I have fallen into the scrolling black hole trap on social media. I have also found myself in unhealthy emotional places where I am tempted to rely on social media to numb out.
Anyone with me on that? Grace abounds, but if God has made you aware of this, He wants to help you!
“Therefore, let us not sleep as others do, but let us WATCH and BE SOBER.” -1 Thessalonians 5:6
Working from home is a huge blessing for my family. I have 3 children and 2 of them are still at home with me during the day. Here are a few practices that help me honor my time and stay present with those around me.
Tip 1: Set up limits! You can set limits on social media apps so notifications don’t go off first thing in the morning. If you have an iPhone, go to “Settings,” then click “Screen Time” and “App Limits” to set time limits for each app. You can even set a “Downtime” for certain times throughout the day so you can’t access certain apps in that time span. Also, before you check in on social media, grab your Bible or open up your Bible app. Most Bible apps will send you a notification and a daily verse to dig into.
Tip 2: Have a PLAN! Pick specific times to check in on social media. Whether social media is a part of your job, ministry, or personal enjoyment, this tip will help you be more intentional with your time. Your time on each social media site can be broken up between 3-4 times a day or used in one chunk of time depending on how you use social media.
Tip 3: SET A TIMER! Now that your plan is established and you have picked a few times to check-in, set a timer for how long you will spend on your social media apps. Try setting your timer for 10-15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, honor your time, and get off of the app. It is tempting to ignore it, but just trust God in the process. You will quickly see how much time is actually given back to you in your day!
Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
Today, I am saying to you, ARISE! Look up, friends! There is so much goodness right in front of you! Live with intention and presence. Social Media can be a great thing, but we must be intentional to not make it a god-thing.
In the comments below, share how you will control your social media scroll. Which tip will you use first? How do you stay present to the people around you?
Ashlee lives in Lake Wales, Florida with her husband Nick and 3 children. As a family, their mission is to spread the gospel through in-person connections and empower those around them to find their original God-given design. Ashlee is the Social Media Manager for Revelation Wellness. She also serves in her local Revelation Wellness ministry and as a Worship Leader & Director at High Point Church.
REV ON THE ROAD
Join us for our last Rev on the Road of 2019 in Stephenville, TX on October 11 & 12, 2019. There are still tickets available! For only $15, you can join a two-day wellness event where you’ll experience contagious joy and new-found freedom! You don’t want to miss it! Get your tickets today!
