Multitasking

Here at the High Calling, we're clearly invested in what we see as the great opportunities that technology can afford: facilitating new relationships and fostering conversations with people we may never encounter otherwise. We also want to be mindful in the ways we use technology—while it can make it possible for us to be present in other people's lives, it can also keep us from being present in our own.

When opening up our phones or laptops, what are we hoping to find? Will the interactions we have through this technology contribute to human flourishing? Will they honor God? Are we seeking connection with others, or are we seeking distraction?

If you're anything like me, these are probably not the first thoughts that come to mind when you power up your smartphone. How can we cultivate practices that bring our interactions with technology back into focus with our lives as Christians? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment thread. It seems to me that it has to start with simply paying attention to our own intentions.

Transcript

While driving in town the other day, my wife, Barbara Dan, and I saw a young woman jogging . . . pushing a baby stroller . . . leading a dog . . . and talking on a cell phone all at once.

I said to Barbara Dan, "It's called multitasking." Barbara Dan looked thoughtful and said, "No, to me, that picture illustrates a life spinning almost out of control. She looks so fragmented. She can't really focus on anything."

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Lack of focus is always a danger in our hurry-up world. We have so much to do and so little time to do it that we risk spinning out of control. Focus is vital . . . to the high calling of our daily work.

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

(1 Tim. 4:14-16)