Prioritizing Christian values in a fast-paced world
In our hyperconnected world it’s easy for our digital lives to take centre stage, often at the expense of our spiritual and personal well-being. The constant barrage of notifications, social media updates and the endless scroll can distract us from what truly matters – our relationship with God, our families and our communities. Christians are called to live in ways that reflect our faith, that prioritize what is eternal over what is fleeting. Here are six practical steps to help us align our digital lives with Christian values, ensuring technology serves us rather than enslaves us.
Set intentional digital boundaries.
Our digital devices are designed to be addictive, drawing us in with endless notifications and updates. To avoid falling into digital dependency, it’s essential we set intentional boundaries. It’s good to designate specific times of the day for checking emails and social media, and stick to those times religiously. Why not also observe a digital Sabbath – a day of the week where we unplug entirely? This can help reclaim time for prayer and face-to-face human interaction, reminding us our worth is not defined by our online presence, but by our identity in Christ.
Cultivate mindful media consumption.
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest news, trends or entertainment, but not all content is edifying or beneficial. We need to be discerning. Before we start consuming anything, we can ask ourselves how much it aligns with Christian values. Is it likely to draw us closer to God or distract us from Him? Philippians 4:8 is an excellent guide – it encourages us to think about “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy.”
Prioritize real-life relationships over digital connections.
While social media allows us to stay connected with a wide range of people, it can never replace the depth and richness of face-to-face relationships. We need to intentionally and methodically prioritize the crucial relationships in our church communities – attending small group, volunteering for church events and making time for one-on-ones. These not only provide emotional and spiritual support, but also ground us more deeply, compared to more limited, controlled and superficial interactions online.
Embrace digital simplicity.
In a world that glorifies more – more apps, more followers, more content – it’s countercultural to choose less. Yet simplicity is the example set by Jesus, and focusing on what truly matters is a core Christian value. Why not consider reducing the number of apps we use, unfollowing accounts that don’t contribute positively to our life, and limiting our screen time? Sorting what’s beneficial from what’s unnecessary is part of making more space for God’s voice and direction, allowing us to live more intentionally on mission.
Use tech for spiritual growth.
Technology, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth. There are an amazing number of apps and online resources designed to deepen our faith, from Bible study tools to prayer apps and podcasts that offer Christian teaching and encouragement. The key is to use these tools purposefully, ensuring they enhance rather than replace spiritual disciplines such as daily devotions, worship and fellowship with other believers.
Practise digital contentment.
Contentment is a biblical principle often challenged in our digital age. Social media in particular can foster feelings of envy and dissatisfaction as we compare our lives to the curated images of others. To combat this we can focus on the blessings in our own lives and be grateful for what God has given us. We can limit our exposure to content that triggers comparison, and instead fill our digital spaces with reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we can resist the pull of materialism and enjoy a Christ-centred life.
It’s easy for our digital lives to take centre stage, often at the expense of our spiritual and personal well-being.
In a world that moves at a breakneck pace, it’s more important than ever to be intentional about how we engage with technology. By setting boundaries, prioritizing our relationships with God and others, and choosing simplicity, we can ensure our digital lives reflect our Christian values. Let’s strive to use technology in ways that honour God, support spiritual growth and help us live out our faith in meaningful and impactful ways.
Joanna la Fleur is a podcaster, TV host and communications consultant in Toronto. Find more of these columns at FaithToday.ca/ThrivingInDigital. Image of clocks: Getty Images