Today we are exposed to so much technology it’s scary. Once television and radio were considered the only home invaders, but now we have a myriad of video games, the Internet, cell phones, and iPods to contend with – each opening up a variety of ways to keep us busy.
Technological advancements have given multitasking a new name. We talk on cell phones while driving, text while eating in restaurants with others, check e-mails while working, update Face Book while downloading iTunes, and Twitter while walking.
Through instant messaging we can carry on six different conversations while we watch You Tube’s recap of American Idol and vote for our favorite Dancing with the Stars celebrity at the same time. All this activity gives the illusion we are accomplishing more, but that’s not necessarily true.
Humans are not computerized robots. Everything they do has to be processed by a physical brain. Studies show that when we are over stimulated with activity, our thinking process actually becomes dim and slows down. So we aren’t really accomplishing more, even if we think we are. We are just busier. And we feel we must be busy all the time. So much so that we don’t know how to relax or just be still.
All this busyness keeps us from truly engaging with people – one on one. Texting is not the same as carrying on a personal conversation where you can actually look into someone’s eyes, read their body language, or comfort them with a hug. For a Christian this is paramount; for true Christianity is relational.
Not only is it important to spend literal, focused time with others, it is vital in our relationship with God. God would appreciate having a little of our undivided attention, as well.
Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.” When read in context, the intention here is to realize our weaknesses and rely on the power of God. It is he who is our ultimate deliverer, no matter what we think we contribute to help him. It’s a sort of “let go and let God” concept. Although I know that, I can’t help but use this scripture to remind myself to periodically stop all my busyness. If I am never still, I will never consciously turn my troubles over to God or appreciate everything he does for me.
Perhaps we could accomplish more by being still occasionally and getting to know God, than multitasking ourselves into oblivion.
