Like money, smartphones are not inherently evil. They can be used for good as money can be used for good (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3). But the Bible says, "... the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:10). It is no secret that people in general are spending more time looking at their phones. One can see this in restaurants, doctors' offices, workplaces, and egregiously, on the roads! It is estimated by certain websites, that on average, people spend about four hours a day on their smartphones. It seems our phones are stealing our hearts away from someone or something else that is more worthy of our precious time.
"... So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6b). Absalom was one of king David's sons, who had earlier had one of his brothers, Amnon, killed. Absalom fled and was away for about three years. But David had him brought back and there was reconciliation between them, supposedly. However, Absalom wanted to be king. So he began a deceitful campaign to bring about his prideful aspiration.
It is interesting how he went about to steal the people's hearts away from David, as they are similar to how we let ourselves be stolen away through the medium of a smartphone. First, he made himself very noticeable and attractive: "... Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him" (2 Samuel 15:1). Then, "... Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate..." (v.2). For some, the first thing that is picked up and looked at in the morning is their phone. How does this practice affect them? How does it guide their thoughts as they begin the day? Absalom wanted to be the first person people saw as they entered the city. He also said he could help them with their problems (vv. 3-4). How many today bury themselves in their phones as they seek an answer to their problems or as an escape from their problems? He must have been charismatic and persuasive, "... for the people with Absalom continually increased in number" (v. 12).
The purpose of this article is not to convince you to get rid of your phone, but to use it less, for there are more important things in your life that require your time and attention. If you are the average user who spends about four hours per day checking your phone, what could be done with three of those hours away from your phone? How about meditating upon the word of God, or praying to God, or conversing with your family and friends? What if, at the doctor's office, you engage someone in the waiting room in friendly conversation? What if that soul is white for harvest, i.e., he or she is thinking on eternal matters because of a health issue?
I believe we have let ourselves be stolen away from God, our families, our neighbors, and ourselves by spending so much time on our phones. I include ourselves because what benefit are we receiving? We may think it is a time to unwind, so to speak, but how often are we left frustrated, anxious, or exhausted afterwards? What troubles me is that I do not remember what I did with some of my free time before smartphones. The people of Israel should have seen through Absalom's ruse. He was not going to help them, for he was only interested in power for himself. Where is your heart? Check your screen time.
Brotherly, Jamie
