DRAFT The Modern Idol: Smart Phones
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The Modern Idol
An idol does not need to be carved of stone, wood, or gold. It only needs to steal our hearts.
In our modern age, we find ourselves surrounded by a great chaos of sounds, notifications, and distractions. Our lives are filled with the buzzing of phones, the flashing of screens, and the endless stream of information vying for our attention and ultimately stealing our hearts.
Our modern idol is our smart phone. Constantly stealing our hearts and attention away from God and His kingdom.
Think about your phone—your iPhone or whatever smart device you use.
•It’s the first thing you look at when your eyes open.
•You often bow your head to it in the morning BEFORE you pray.
•It knows your very face and lights up to greet you with just a glance.
•You hold it in your hands MORE than you hold God’s Word.
•You listen to it MORE than you listen to the voice of God.
•You carry it in your pocket everywhere you go.
•You play with it MORE than you play with your own children or grandchildren
•You spend MORE face-to-face time with it than you do with your spouse.
•You use it to seek so-called knowledge MORE than you seek God’s book of wisdom.
•And when the day ends, it’s the last thing you see before your eyes close.
You may tell yourself that you are in control, that your phone is your tool, your slave, and you are its master. But just like the idols of Bible times, you have become the slave, and it has become your master.
Many of us are slaves to a screen.
Your Idol Speaks, Hears, and Shapeshifts
Psalm 115:5-7 “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
This passage was written about idols of stone and wood, but does it not eerily describe your modern screen?
Your phone has a mouth—but the words it speaks are artificial.
It has eyes—but it does not see the truth.
It has ears—but it does not hear your cries.
It has hands—but it will never hold you when you are hurting.
Yet, unlike the idols of the past, this one does speak. It creates any image you desire. It has a face. It has a voice.
And worse—it shapeshifts into whatever idol your heart craves.
It can become an idol of entertainment, feeding your mind endless distractions.
It can become an idol of vanity, showing you the life you wish you had.
It can become an idol of lust, offering temptations at the swipe of a finger.
It can become an idol of knowledge, convincing you that you are wise while keeping you far from God’s wisdom.
The very word “idol” means “image.” How many images do you fix your eyes on every day—whether still or moving? How much of your life is spent staring at a screen?
We call it a “smart” phone, but it is making us dumb.
Consider this:
•? The average American checks their phone 344 times a day—once every four minutes!
•⏳ Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•⛔ Your device has become a modern-day idol, commanding MORE of your attention than your spouse, your children, and even your Lord.
The most terrifying thing about this idol? It isn’t just something you worship—it is something that is shaping you.
While not every one of these statements may be true in your life, I suspect that most of them are.
_______
The most terrifying thing about modern idols is that they do speak to you. They create any image you desire. They have a face. They have a mouth. And yet, they are empty.
The very word “idol” means “image.” How many images do you fix your eyes on every day—whether still or moving? How much of your life is spent staring at a screen?
We call it a “smart” phone, but it is making us dumb.
Consider this:
•? The average American checks their phone 344 times a day—once every four minutes!
•⏳ Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•⛔ Our devices have become modern-day idols, commanding MORE of our attention than our spouses, children, and even our Lord.
Yet the Bible warns against idols that promise power but are lifeless and empty:
Psalm 115:5-7 (KJV)
“They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
This passage was written about carved idols of stone and wood. But does it not eerily describe our modern screens?
They have mouths—but the words they speak are artificial.
They have eyes—but they do not see the truth.
They have ears—but they do not hear your cries.
They have hands—but they do not hold you when you are hurting.
Your phone is always in your hand, always in your pocket, always within reach. But is it bringing you closer to God?
The most terrifying thing about our idols is that they do speak to us, they create any image we desire, they have become an idol with a face and a mouth.
While not every single one of these may be true in your life, I suspect that most of them are.
The word idol means "image." How many images do we spend focused on, whether still or moving every day?
We call it a smart phone and we are dumb.
Consider this:
•The average American checks their phone 344 times a day – that’s once every four minutes!
•Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•Our devices have become modern-day idols, commanding more of our attention than our spouses, children, and even our Lord.
In Psalm 115, we are reminded of the futility of idol worship:
Psalm 115:5-7 “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
While this passage refers to physical idols of the past, isn’t it eerily applicable to our relationship with technology today?
But amidst this noise, are we missing something crucial? Are we drowning out the most important voice of all?
The Noise vs. The Whisper
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 offers a profound lesson for our digital age. After a great victory over the worshippers of Baal, Elijah finds himself on the run, seeking God’s guidance. As he stands on a mountain, he experiences a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Yet, surprisingly, God was not in any of these spectacular events. Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a “still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:11-12 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
This biblical account serves as a powerful metaphor for our lives today. We’re often drawn to the spectacular, the loud, and the attention-grabbing. Our digital devices promise constant entertainment, information, and connection. But in our pursuit of these things, are we missing the quiet whisper of God?
The wind, earthquake, and fire in Elijah’s story can be likened to the constant notifications, breaking news alerts, and endless social media feeds that demand our attention. They are loud, spectacular, and designed to captivate us. But like Elijah, we need to recognize that God’s voice is often found in the quiet moments, away from distractions.
How to Hear God’s Still, Small Voice
So how do we find sacred silence in this age of constant connectivity? The answer lies in intentional disconnection and creating space for God.
✅ Create Sacred Spaces ?
Dedicate areas in your home where screens are not allowed. This could be a prayer chair, a quiet corner, or even an entire room set aside for reflection.
✅ Digital Sabbaths ⏳
Set aside regular times—perhaps one day a week or an hour a day—where you completely disconnect from devices. Use this time for prayer, Scripture reading, or simply sitting in God’s presence.
✅ Use a Physical Bible ?
Digital Bible apps are convenient, but they also come with distractions. Consider using a physical Bible during devotional time to stay focused.
✅ Wait Through the Noise
Sometimes, we need to persevere through distractions to find that place of quiet communion with God. Don’t give up if silence doesn’t come immediately.
✅ Train Your Ear to Listen ?
John 10:27 (KJV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
The more we practice listening to God, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice in the midst of life’s noise.
Breaking Free from Digital Idolatry ⚡
Technology isn’t inherently bad—it can be a great tool. But like a swimming pool, it can either refresh us or drown us if we’re not careful. The key is setting healthy boundaries that prioritize our relationship with God.
In Exodus 34:13, God commanded the Israelites to destroy their idols:
Exodus 34:13 (KJV)
“But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.”
No, we don’t have to smash our phones (though it may be tempting! ?), but we must take decisive action to break free from their hold.
•Delete distracting apps
•Set screen time limits
•Take temporary fasts from devices
The goal isn’t to eliminate technology altogether but to ensure it doesn’t drown out God’s voice.
Leading Our Families in Sacred Silence ?
As we pursue this path, we can boldly declare like Joshua 24:15:
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
This commitment goes beyond just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It means intentionally creating a home where God’s voice is valued above all else.
Practical ways to cultivate sacred silence in your home:
•Have regular family devotion times – no phones, no distractions.
•Encourage kids to spend time in nature – see God’s handiwork.
•Engage in meaningful conversations – no screens at the dinner table.
•Practice the art of listening – to each other and to God.
Finding God in the Silence ?
As we embrace these habits of sacred silence, we may find that God speaks to us in ways we never expected. Just like Elijah, our most profound encounters with God might not be in the spectacular, but in the quiet moments of surrender and stillness.
? In a world constantly shouting for our attention, let’s commit to tuning our ears to the still, small voice of God. Let’s create spaces of sacred silence in our homes and hearts. Because it’s in these quiet moments that we often find the guidance, comfort, and transformative power we so desperately need.
? May we have the courage to silence the noise, put down our devices, and listen intently for the whisper of God. In doing so, we may just discover a depth of relationship with Him that we never knew was possible.
The Modern Idol
An idol does not need to be carved of stone, wood, or gold. It only needs to steal our hearts.
In our modern age, we find ourselves surrounded by a great chaos of sounds, notifications, and distractions. Our lives are filled with the buzzing of phones, the flashing of screens, and the endless stream of information vying for our attention and ultimately stealing our hearts.
Our modern idol is our smart phone. Constantly stealing our hearts and attention away from God and His kingdom.
Think about your phone—your iPhone or whatever smart device you use.
•It’s the first thing you look at when your eyes open.
•You often bow your head to it in the morning BEFORE you pray.
•It knows your very face and lights up to greet you with just a glance.
•You hold it in your hands MORE than you hold God’s Word.
•You listen to it MORE than you listen to the voice of God.
•You carry it in your pocket everywhere you go.
•You play with it MORE than you play with your own children or grandchildren
•You spend MORE face-to-face time with it than you do with your spouse.
•You use it to seek so-called knowledge MORE than you seek God’s book of wisdom.
•And when the day ends, it’s the last thing you see before your eyes close.
You may tell yourself that you are in control, that your phone is your tool, your slave, and you are its master. But just like the idols of Bible times, you have become the slave, and it has become your master.
Many of us are slaves to a screen.
Your Idol Speaks, Hears, and Shapeshifts
Psalm 115:5-7 “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
This passage was written about idols of stone and wood, but does it not eerily describe your modern screen?
Your phone has a mouth—but the words it speaks are artificial.
It has eyes—but it does not see the truth.
It has ears—but it does not hear your cries.
It has hands—but it will never hold you when you are hurting.
Yet, unlike the idols of the past, this one does speak. It creates any image you desire. It has a face. It has a voice.
And worse—it shapeshifts into whatever idol your heart craves.
It can become an idol of entertainment, feeding your mind endless distractions.
It can become an idol of vanity, showing you the life you wish you had.
It can become an idol of lust, offering temptations at the swipe of a finger.
It can become an idol of knowledge, convincing you that you are wise while keeping you far from God’s wisdom.
The very word “idol” means “image.” How many images do you fix your eyes on every day—whether still or moving? How much of your life is spent staring at a screen?
We call it a “smart” phone, but it is making us dumb.
Consider this:
•? The average American checks their phone 344 times a day—once every four minutes!
•⏳ Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•⛔ Your device has become a modern-day idol, commanding MORE of your attention than your spouse, your children, and even your Lord.
The most terrifying thing about this idol? It isn’t just something you worship—it is something that is shaping you.
While not every one of these statements may be true in your life, I suspect that most of them are.
_______
The most terrifying thing about modern idols is that they do speak to you. They create any image you desire. They have a face. They have a mouth. And yet, they are empty.
The very word “idol” means “image.” How many images do you fix your eyes on every day—whether still or moving? How much of your life is spent staring at a screen?
We call it a “smart” phone, but it is making us dumb.
Consider this:
•? The average American checks their phone 344 times a day—once every four minutes!
•⏳ Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•⛔ Our devices have become modern-day idols, commanding MORE of our attention than our spouses, children, and even our Lord.
Yet the Bible warns against idols that promise power but are lifeless and empty:
Psalm 115:5-7 (KJV)
“They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
This passage was written about carved idols of stone and wood. But does it not eerily describe our modern screens?
They have mouths—but the words they speak are artificial.
They have eyes—but they do not see the truth.
They have ears—but they do not hear your cries.
They have hands—but they do not hold you when you are hurting.
Your phone is always in your hand, always in your pocket, always within reach. But is it bringing you closer to God?
The most terrifying thing about our idols is that they do speak to us, they create any image we desire, they have become an idol with a face and a mouth.
While not every single one of these may be true in your life, I suspect that most of them are.
The word idol means "image." How many images do we spend focused on, whether still or moving every day?
We call it a smart phone and we are dumb.
Consider this:
•The average American checks their phone 344 times a day – that’s once every four minutes!
•Children spend an average of nine hours a day looking at screens.
•Our devices have become modern-day idols, commanding more of our attention than our spouses, children, and even our Lord.
In Psalm 115, we are reminded of the futility of idol worship:
Psalm 115:5-7 “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
While this passage refers to physical idols of the past, isn’t it eerily applicable to our relationship with technology today?
But amidst this noise, are we missing something crucial? Are we drowning out the most important voice of all?
The Noise vs. The Whisper
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 offers a profound lesson for our digital age. After a great victory over the worshippers of Baal, Elijah finds himself on the run, seeking God’s guidance. As he stands on a mountain, he experiences a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Yet, surprisingly, God was not in any of these spectacular events. Instead, God spoke to Elijah in a “still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:11-12 “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
This biblical account serves as a powerful metaphor for our lives today. We’re often drawn to the spectacular, the loud, and the attention-grabbing. Our digital devices promise constant entertainment, information, and connection. But in our pursuit of these things, are we missing the quiet whisper of God?
The wind, earthquake, and fire in Elijah’s story can be likened to the constant notifications, breaking news alerts, and endless social media feeds that demand our attention. They are loud, spectacular, and designed to captivate us. But like Elijah, we need to recognize that God’s voice is often found in the quiet moments, away from distractions.
How to Hear God’s Still, Small Voice
So how do we find sacred silence in this age of constant connectivity? The answer lies in intentional disconnection and creating space for God.
✅ Create Sacred Spaces ?
Dedicate areas in your home where screens are not allowed. This could be a prayer chair, a quiet corner, or even an entire room set aside for reflection.
✅ Digital Sabbaths ⏳
Set aside regular times—perhaps one day a week or an hour a day—where you completely disconnect from devices. Use this time for prayer, Scripture reading, or simply sitting in God’s presence.
✅ Use a Physical Bible ?
Digital Bible apps are convenient, but they also come with distractions. Consider using a physical Bible during devotional time to stay focused.
✅ Wait Through the Noise
Sometimes, we need to persevere through distractions to find that place of quiet communion with God. Don’t give up if silence doesn’t come immediately.
✅ Train Your Ear to Listen ?
John 10:27 (KJV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
The more we practice listening to God, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice in the midst of life’s noise.
Breaking Free from Digital Idolatry ⚡
Technology isn’t inherently bad—it can be a great tool. But like a swimming pool, it can either refresh us or drown us if we’re not careful. The key is setting healthy boundaries that prioritize our relationship with God.
In Exodus 34:13, God commanded the Israelites to destroy their idols:
Exodus 34:13 (KJV)
“But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.”
No, we don’t have to smash our phones (though it may be tempting! ?), but we must take decisive action to break free from their hold.
•Delete distracting apps
•Set screen time limits
•Take temporary fasts from devices
The goal isn’t to eliminate technology altogether but to ensure it doesn’t drown out God’s voice.
Leading Our Families in Sacred Silence ?
As we pursue this path, we can boldly declare like Joshua 24:15:
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
This commitment goes beyond just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It means intentionally creating a home where God’s voice is valued above all else.
Practical ways to cultivate sacred silence in your home:
•Have regular family devotion times – no phones, no distractions.
•Encourage kids to spend time in nature – see God’s handiwork.
•Engage in meaningful conversations – no screens at the dinner table.
•Practice the art of listening – to each other and to God.
Finding God in the Silence ?
As we embrace these habits of sacred silence, we may find that God speaks to us in ways we never expected. Just like Elijah, our most profound encounters with God might not be in the spectacular, but in the quiet moments of surrender and stillness.
? In a world constantly shouting for our attention, let’s commit to tuning our ears to the still, small voice of God. Let’s create spaces of sacred silence in our homes and hearts. Because it’s in these quiet moments that we often find the guidance, comfort, and transformative power we so desperately need.
? May we have the courage to silence the noise, put down our devices, and listen intently for the whisper of God. In doing so, we may just discover a depth of relationship with Him that we never knew was possible.
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