The Battle for Your Attention on Sunday Morning

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27- NIV Version)

To paraphrase a pastor, I recently heard a few weeks back, we live in a world of constant noise, but we serve the Prince of Peace.  While his original message was not intended to be about the amount of time we spend on our phones or constant distractions that phones cause, it did lead me to really think about how our phones are impacting us in Church.

Let’s play out this scenario. You are in are in church using the Bible app, it is so convenient!  You are dialed in to the message and then you get a notification that someone commented on your social media post. I mean, your dog in his winter coat is the most adorable thing you will see all day. You tell yourself; I am not looking to see what they said yet you are still thinking about it. Wait what did the Pastor just say? Okay, I need to clear this notification then I can focus on the message. You opened Instagram, oh look your cousin just posted a new picture of their baby; so cute. Next thing you know, the praise team is back on stage, and the service is wrapping up. Can you relate? I know I can.

You want to be present, you want to receive the message, your intentions are good. Maybe it is not the Bible app you have open. Maybe you grab our phone to scan the QR giving code so you can make your weekly donation. You think to yourself, this is so convenient, I am so happy they have this option, who has cash anymore? You are right, it is convenient and it is great that they have this option, but did it cause you to be distracted and lose focus on what is important?

It is hard to be present and focused when the world wants our attention all the time and you have everything you need in the palm of your hand.

I would like to challenge you for next month when you attend church, bring your physical bible and bring that physical offering in an offering envelope. Pray over your offering before you place it in the basket. Be present and let the message speak to your heart while you sit in your pew (or chair). At first it might seem like something extra you need to carry or remember but after each week, make note of how you felt. Did you feel more engaged in worship and message? The Pastor and worship team put a lot of time and energy into each service, let’s enjoy every moment.