Digital Resolutions
Psalms 90:12; Psalms 46:10
So this is the time of year that everyone sets their resolutions for the new year. And in about two weeks, we all forget them and move on.
Now, when I was a teen, I wasn't really into resolutions, honestly. So I don't suspect you are. You might just be hoping to finish the school year well, maybe make the ball team, or maybe discover that new relationship.
But I want to suggest one worthy goal for the new year? How about disconnecting digitally. Not completely. Just a little bit.
Statistics show that teens are online more than ever. I'm not so sure that's a bad thing, but it is when you allow your connection online to overwhelm your important relationships.
We live in a brave new world, where you can meet and live with and talk to friends from all over the world, with the click of a button.
But sometimes its important to back away from the computer and take in real life. Engage with your parents and friends, face-to-face, without keystrokes and finger swipes.
And what about your relationship with God? Are you nurturing that? Are you taking walks, exercising, reading, and serving others?
It's not about a complete withdraw from the digital world. It's about managing it, about utilizing online tools as a means of fulfilling your God-given purpose. It's about allowing God into every sphere of your life, even your online profile.
So are you up for the challenge? Maybe it's limiting your time on social networking. Maybe it's limiting how many texts you send. Maybe it's stepping away from the chat rooms and message boards and video games.
And spending more time alone with God. And with the people God has called you to love.
If you're interested, you can download my free Tipsheet, "10 Digital Resolutions for the New Year."
Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and public speaker. His latest book is Crash Course, Forming a Faith Foundation for Life. Visit him on Facebook by clicking here, follow on him on Twitter at twitter.com/dandarling, or check out his website: danieldarling.com.
