Breaking the Morning Phone Addiction: Prioritizing God Over Screens

Our phones have become an integral part of our lives. We carry them with us everywhere, even into our bedrooms. They wake us up, track our sleep patterns, and provide a lifeline in case of emergencies. While these benefits are undoubtedly valuable, there is a downside to having our phones within arm's reach at all times. Many of us have developed a habit of reaching for our phones as soon as we wake up, checking email and social media before our groggy eyes can even fully open.

In a survey conducted by desiringGod.org, over half of the respondents admitted to checking their smartphones within minutes of waking up in the morning. Furthermore, a staggering 73% of respondents said they are more likely to check email and social media before engaging in any spiritual disciplines. These statistics reveal a concerning trend: we are quick to prioritize our phones over spending intentional time with God in prayer and studying His word.

John Piper, a prominent Christian author and pastor, has described the daily challenge of the Christian life as waking up with the devil sitting on his face. While this may sound startling, it highlights the importance of starting our day with a focus on God. The first thing we set our hearts on in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Therefore, it is crucial to examine why we are so prone to checking our phones first thing in the morning and whether there is a better way forward according to Scripture.

Piper identifies six possible reasons for our addictive behavior towards our phones in the morning, which he categorizes into "candy motives" and "avoidance motives." He believes that these motives are rooted in sin rather than a desire to serve others and savor God. According to Piper, the Great Commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength should set the agenda for our mornings. Unfortunately, most of us do not wake up with our souls fully committed to loving God and others. It requires intentional refocusing through prayer and the study of God's word.

The first three motives Piper identifies as "candy motives" are novelty, ego, and entertainment. We are drawn to our phones in the morning because we want to be the first to know what's happening in the world or among our friends. We crave attention and validation, seeking confirmation of our worth through likes, retweets, and mentions. Additionally, we are addicted to the constant stream of fascinating and entertaining content available on the internet.

The other three motives Piper describes as "avoidance motives" are boredom, responsibility, and hardship. We use our phones to avoid facing the boredom of the day ahead or the weighty responsibilities and pressures that come with our roles in life. In some cases, we may be dealing with relational conflict, illness, or pain, and the phone becomes an escape from the harsh realities of our circumstances.

While these motives may seem compelling in the moment, Piper challenges us to consider the consequences of starting our day by reaching for our phones. What if we encounter distressing news or negative comments? What if spending those precious minutes on our phones leaves us emotionally and spiritually unprepared to face the challenges of the day? Is it worth sacrificing the opportunity to be filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to glorify Christ in our daily work?

The Psalms provide guidance on how to approach our mornings. Psalm 5:3 encourages us to cry out to God and prepare a sacrifice for Him in the morning. The sacrifice mentioned here represents our bodies and attention devoted to God. We are to watch for His steadfast love and seek His guidance in His word. Psalm 90:14 emphasizes the importance of being satisfied with God's steadfast love, which leads to rejoicing and gladness throughout our days. Psalm 143:8 echoes the sentiment of seeking God's guidance and lifting our souls to Him.

Piper urges us to make intentional choices and plans to break free from the addiction to our phones in the morning. Instead of seeking temporary pleasures and avoiding responsibilities, we should strive to be filled with the Holy Spirit, strengthened to face the day's challenges, and find joy in serving others. By aligning our mornings with God's agenda and seeking His presence and guidance, we can experience a profound sense of satisfaction and purpose.

In conclusion, our habit of checking our phones first thing in the morning reveals our tendency to prioritize worldly distractions over our relationship with God. While our phones offer convenience and entertainment, they can easily become a hindrance to our spiritual growth. By recognizing the underlying motives behind our addictive behavior and refocusing our hearts on God, we can start our days with a renewed zeal for His glory and a desire to serve others. Let us seek God's presence, guidance, and steadfast love in the morning, preparing ourselves to walk in His ways throughout the day.