For good reason, many people wish smartphones would have never been created. They have become a source of addiction, a means by which great evil is spread, and a root cause of much pain and sorrow for many families. However... they may yet be redeemable.
Let's be honest. To live and work in today's world, you probably need to carry a smartphone. So, why not make the best of it? Here are six ways you can use your smartphone for good. Try them all, but if you can't, choose at least 2-3 to get started.
Set alarms to remind you to pause and pray throughout the day.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Setting alarms on your smartphone can be a great way to remind yourself to take a break from your busy schedule and pray. Whether it's for a few minutes in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, taking time to pray and communicate with God can help bring peace and clarity to your day. Consider setting alarms at different intervals throughout the day to remind you to pause and pray.
Intentionally use your text messages to encourage 3-5 people every day.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Text messages are a quick and easy way to reach out to others, and they can be a powerful tool for encouraging those around you. Consider making it a daily habit to send 3-5 text messages to friends, family, or even coworkers, offering words of encouragement and support. Whether it's a simple "thinking of you" or a more detailed message, your words can have a big impact on the people you reach out to.
Download a Bible App (Youversion) that will help you stick to a daily reading plan.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
One of the great things about smartphones is that there are so many apps available to help us in our spiritual growth. One such app is Youversion, which offers a wide range of Bible translations, reading plans, and other resources to help you engage with God's Word on a daily basis. Whether you're a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, a Bible app can be a great tool to help you stay on track with your daily reading.
Use YouTube to subscribe and listen to Bible teachers and preachers.
"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" - Psalm 119:103
YouTube is a treasure trove of resources for spiritual growth, and there are many Christian teachers and preachers who use the platform to share their insights and perspectives on the Bible. Consider subscribing to a few channels that you find particularly helpful, and make it a habit to listen to their teachings on a regular basis. You might also consider setting aside specific times each week to watch and listen to these teachings, as a way to make sure you're consistently feeding your faith.
Utilize an e-reader app (Kindle, etc.) to download and read spiritual growth material.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" - 2 Timothy 3:16
In addition to the Bible, there are many other books and resources that can help us grow in our faith. E-reader apps like Kindle make it easy to download and read these materials on our smartphones, giving us access to a wealth of spiritual growth resources wherever we go. Consider browsing through the selection of Christian books available on Kindle, and add a few titles to your reading list.
Share your password with other people and give them permission to check your usage anytime.
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
One way to ensure that we're using our smartphones for good is to be open and transparent about our usage. Consider sharing your password with people you trust and if they ask, let them view your phone usage. Loving accountability from trustworthy people is a powerful encouragement to live up to our calling.
You don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Although smartphones carry significant potential for harm, they can also be a useful tool that aids our spiritual growth. You are the only person who can choose whether to use your phone for good or evil. Make the right choice!
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