Unplugged

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

Recently we spent the Easter weekend with Nathan’s family on the farm. One thing I love about going there is our phones get left downstairs. Two days went by and we looked at them once or twice a day. It was so refreshing. It made me stop and think about how tied our family has become to instant technology and constant notifications. We as a society expect to be able to get a hold of people 24/7. It’s irritating to most of us when e-mails or texts go a couple hours without response. We live in such a fast paced society. My fear is that with so many options, more expectations, and more commitments facing us every day are we experiencing overload. Are we making the most of every opportunity, living wisely or just watching time pass us by?

Sometimes it’s not until we unplug that we truly realize what we are missing. We are so quick to capture the perfect moment for social media, that we don’t live in the moment. Are we present with our families or just there?

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. “

We live in a world that is determined to steal our time; tablets, TV’s, phones, computers, video games, and on and on the list goes. While none of these are evil in their own right, when they consume who we are, and become our time stealer, it’s time to look closely at what has control over our heart and minds. It’s time to unplug and understand once again what the Lord’s will is.

Where are you in this area of life? Are you feeling out of control and overloaded? Maybe it’s time to unplug and renew your mind. Sometimes just being with the people who mean the most to you, laughing and playing games is the renewal your heart & mind needs. Other times you may need an extended time of rest and renewal for your heart & mind. Let us determine to be careful how we live and live the wise way. That will look different for each person, but stay connected to God and disconnect from the voices (or notifications) that are drowning him out. We only get one shot at this thing called life, let’s make it count!

Father, give us wisdom to live how you desire us to live; to make the most of every opportunity you give us. Help us to know when to unplug and unwind. Transform our heart and minds so that we will truly know what your will is. Help us to drown out the other noises of life, so that your voice is the loudest. Amen

Amanda Keller

Amanda is a homeschooling mother of two great children and wife to Nathan. While Amanda grew up in Jordan, Montana, their family makes their home in Bismarck, North Dakota. Amanda’s passion for leading others in worship shines through along with her love for Jesus, her family and laughter. Their family loves to support Compassion International in whatever way possible. Amanda holds associates degrees in both music performance and office administration from Trinity Bible College. “your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but something you raise.” ~Andy Stanley