We get wrapped up in the temporary – the shiny, fleeting things of this world. The computer calls us to dig deeper into news stories, compare our lives to others’ fancy, edited photos and gain more traction than our followers on these instant gratification social sharing sites.

Meanwhile, our children sit in the background (with their impressionable minds) and observe our digital obsessions. We are normalizing this behavior in front of them. We are sending silent messages noting that it’s alright to spend hours staring into a screen. Yes, at times technology can be used as a tool to help – but it can also be used as a tool to suck time and energy away from our families.

Let’s rise above this fixation parents!

It is written in Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

This verse should serve as a springboard to all Christian parents. May we launch our households into a new era (for such a time as this!) – one in which we impress the brilliant truths of the LORD upon our children’s hearts and minds.

Technology (while not always sinister) is weakening our family units. Kids and teens age 8 to 18 spend an average of more than seven hours a day looking at screens. That is unacceptable! We, as the parents, need to set the examples. We need to take the strong step and enforce rules in the household (though it is not easy) to limit screen time. Our children will benefit from this endeavor.

Let’s teach our children that beauty is found in the here and now. It’s painted in the leaves falling in the backyard. It’s etched in the smile lines on kind faces. It’s displayed in the connection found in the spoken word.

Let’s take the time to teach our children the truths of their Savior. These truths will serve as their bedrock and guiding light. May these bright promises be emblazoned in the memory banks of their minds.

Let’s set down the phones and talk to our children and teach them the difference between right and wrong. Share with them the beatitudes, powerful Bible stories of old and the fruits of the Spirit.

We are raising the leaders of tomorrow. Godly leaders are not formed through screen time with the wisdom of this world. They are birthed through our prayers, righteous instruction, devotion, and quality time.