It is so easy to forget why we do what we do. It is so easy to focus too much on tech and not enough on Jesus. These are pitfalls that we don’t ever want to fall into. They can be dangerous to ourselves and to our ministry. I have to constantly remind myself and refocus my thinking on the One who matters the most. After all, He is the reason that we all do this in the first place.
What is the first thing you do in the morning after waking up?
And no, I don’t mean hitting the snooze button.
You normally check your phone right? Usually when I wake up, I immediately check my email. Then I check my Facebook. Then I check Twitter. Then I check Feedly and start swiping through various creative and design blogs I’ve added. Before I know it, an hour passes by and I’m already running late. Crap.
This doesn’t just happen once though. It happens every single day to me. I constantly prioritize technology over time with Jesus. Here are three tips that I’ve been trying to incorporate into my life, and that you can use in yours to help keep yourself focused on what really matters:
1. Don’t check your phone first thing in the morning.
Trust me. Don’t do it! As soon as you check your email or social network, your mind starts processing all of those things. If you are really looking at prioritizing Jesus before technology, this is a big one you must overcome. Instead of starting your beautiful morning off with Peter’s vacation photos from last year, why not open that Bible first? I find that when I get in the Word and spend even 15 minutes with Jesus before I start getting into my normal routine, my day is so much better. I can focus better, and I’m less likely to be a monster when I go into work. This is essential time that you must set aside each morning.
2. Technology is awesome, Don’t let it rule your life though.
When technology starts getting in the way of spending time with your family or friends, you should reconsider your priorities. Yes, we do this as a profession. Yes, we need to stay up on design and development trends. I find myself using these as excuses all the time. In reality though, it should never get in the way of real people.Take those 2 hours you would have spent surfing Reddit,YouTube, or various blogs and dedicated to people around you that you care about.
3. Turn off the screens an hour before bedtime.
Various studies have shown that exposure to bright lcd screens before bed actually hurt your sleeping patterns. Those that turned them off at least an hour before bed slept better and felt more well rested than the latter. When I follow this one, I really do notice a difference the next morning. It helps me wind down, sleep well, and wake up ready to tackle and project that I have ahead of me.
These are just some helpful tips that I’ve found have helped me personally. Being a church tech can be frustrating and rewarding. There is always pressure to stay up on the latest and greatest trends. But we have to remember that Jesus comes first.
Do you struggle with this as well?
How do you put Jesus first before technology?
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Eric Dye says
Great tips Casey.
Now … is anyone willing to do it?