I don't know when it began, but I've noticed something a little disheartening: every time when there's a Sunday service, a Bible study, or even just a meal gathering, there are next to me always a few participants who will, almost subconsciously, lower their heads, pick up their phones, and start scrolling. They're not taking calls or handling urgent messages, but simply browsing a social application to see if there are new messages or tapping into some platform and mechanically swiping their thumbs. This absent-mindedness is no longer occasional; it's increasingly becoming a common phenomenon. One could even call it the "new normal."
I can't help but wonder: how did we get this new normal?
The "Toxicity" of Smartphones Is Changing Us
Years ago, people would say, "A smartphone is a great tool." But now we can't help admitting it has become a kind of "mental crutch" for many. A phone doesn't force us to use it, but we almost can't resist using it repeatedly. We might check the time but end up scrolling through TikTok for ten minutes; we might look up a Bible verse but somehow wind up in our social feed. This isn't by chance. It's driven by the "business logic" behind the design of smartphones and apps. Every few seconds you linger, and every click you make is tracked, analyzed, and used to feed you content that will stimulate your brain even more. The result is that we become increasingly attached to our phones, even though we know they've stolen away much of our valuable time.
Looking down at your phone during a gathering isn't because the gathering is unimportant, but it's because we've already formed ourselves to allow our attention to drift. As soon as there's a hint of boredom, awkward silence, or a dip in mood, our first reflex is to reach for the phone. It has become almost a spontaneous mechanism of behavior.
What's the Real Impact of Swiping Phones During Services?
You might say, "Just a little scrolling won't waste much time." But if we think about it, the "side effects" a phone brings into a gathering are deeper than we imagine.
1. It diverts our attention and hinders spiritual growth.
God's word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). However, when we attend services or Bible study and pray with a distracted mind, being present physically but with our mind drifting away, how can we truly be edified? When we scroll our phones during a sermon, we're not just missing a few words. We could be missing God's timely prompting, a rebuke, or an encouragement meant specifically for us.
2. It damages relationships and respect for one another.
A gathering isn't just about studying the Bible but also about building up and connecting with one another. If you're pouring your heart out to a friend while they're scrolling, how would you feel? In the same way, when we "mentally shut down" during fellowship, we're silently sending this message: "I'm not that interested in what you're saying."
Scrolling phones is, in essence, an absence of attitude. The church is a body where each part belongs to the others, and any "withdrawal" by one member weakens the function and warmth of the whole.
3. It gradually numbs our sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes God uses a phrase, a Scripture, or a sharing from a brother or sister to touch us in a service, but if our attention is on a phone, our spirit finds it hard to stay alert to His voice.
Many believers say their spiritual life has stagnated, and their prayers feel powerless. In truth, this is often closely tied to being distracted during services. Our body may be present, but if our spirit isn't engaged, how can we have the renewal of our spirits?
This Is Not Just a "Personal Choice," But Spiritual Warfare
It's easy to think of this as a matter of personal preference: "Some people just like to use their phones. I'll just mind my own business." But from a spiritual perspective, we can see this is part of a greater battle of our generation.
Paul says, "I have the right to do anything — but I will not be mastered by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12) This applies perfectly to smartphones today. A phone isn't sinful either, using it, but if we've lost the ability to refrain from it, then it has become our master.
If someone, in moments when they should be worshipping, fellowshipping, or learning, instinctively turns to a phone screen, they're already under a form of control. That's exactly what the devil loves most, not stopping you from attending services, but distracting you so that worship becomes empty forms.
How Can We Adjust Ourselves?
Thank God, we are not without hope. God promises that by His power, we can be transformed and no longer conform to the pattern of this world. We can start with some practical steps below.
1. Recognize the Seriousness of the Problem and Stop Self-Numbing
The first step is to honestly face our current status. Do we use our phones during gatherings? Do we often find services "boring" and get easily distracted? Do we turn to phone updates to ease anxiety, boredom, or unease? Stop comforting yourself with the attitude of "This is normal" or "Everyone does it." The decline of spiritual life often starts with compromises in small matters.
2. Deliberately Make Things "Inconvenient" for Yourself
An older sister who was addicted to her phone chose to buy and use a basic-feature phone. She admitted life became less convenient without smartphones, but said, "It's inconvenient but worth it." Likewise, we can set a "phone Sabbath" principle for gatherings: before the service begins, switch to airplane mode or mute, and put it in your bag. Remind yourself: this time belongs to God and His people, but not to any notifications or pop-ups. If you're a team leader, you can set such an ambience by encouraging others to be fully present using body language and eye contact, all to convey love and respect.
3. Use Richer Spiritual Content
Don't just emphasize "stop the phones" but replace it with something far more valuable. For instance: pray beforehand for the meeting; come ready to listen and share; take notes on paper instead of on phones; linger after the meeting for deeper conversations instead of rushing to check WeChat; bring a printed Bible to focus on God's word. As Ephesians says: "Put off the old self and put on the new." It's not only about quitting but about renewing.
4. Remind and Support Each Other
This is not a solo battle. The church is one body that needs mutual encouragement. Find a "spiritual partner" to hold each other accountable during gatherings. You can even agree on a "digital fasting," such as avoiding all social media one day a week to free time for devotion, prayer, or reading.
Lift Your Eyes from Phone Screens to Heaven
We live in a world overflowing with information and distractions, but our hearts do not belong here. Our true home is in heaven; we are citizens of God's kingdom. Every gathering and service is God's invitation to refocus on Him. So next time you feel the urge to lower your head to check your phone, pause for a second and ask yourself: "Right now, am I connecting with God, or connecting with the latest trend?" "Am I responding to God's calling or a notification for more likes?"
(The article was originally published by the Gospel Times, and the author is a preacher in Anhui Province.)
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Charlie Li
