Slave: a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them.
Servant: a devoted and helpful follower or supporter.
I woke up early this morning, 4:30 a.m., I could tell I wasn’t going to be able to fall back to sleep but I laid there anyway for about 30 minutes. Sam was at the foot of the bed responding to my restlessness. Finally, I sat up, swung my legs over to the floor, reached for my glasses, and my…
That’s when the conviction struck.
So, have you turned into one of “those” people? Grab your phone before you grab for Me?
Mind you I’ve only had a smartphone for less than a month and already I have a love relationship with it. I also have a Kindle plugged in next to my bed – two electronics. Two time robbers.
The thief comes to steal…
And, before I even stood up I had this thought:
Are you going to be a slave to it or are you going to allow it to be a servant to you.
It was a defining moment. I remember years ago, long before blogs and smartphones, there was a gal who sent out a daily email. I believe her name was Laine. She was a blogger before the word was in our vernacular! She lived simply, had six or seven kids, she home-schooled, she was a stay-at-home mom, wife, gardener, writer, laundress, cook, bottle washer, bookkeeper, teacher, shopper, thrifty woman. She almost made me sick. BUT, I digress… She had this great term for all the conveniences she had in her home, for example: the crockpot, washer, dryer, bread machine, etc. She called them her servants. She would get up early, get right into The Word, and then afterward she’d get her household servants started on their day, serving her and her family. Pretty clever, right?
You see where I’m going?
ANY THING, that takes me away from the Best Thing, becomes an idol and I become enslaved to it. Lord, I don’t want that to happen with my new toy. I want my smartphone to SERVE ME. To help make my day better. Easier. Happier. I want to be able to step outside and allow it to serve me with wonder! Pictures. Texts from my loved ones. Forwarded calls from my office. Encouragement for and from other like-minded believers on IG, Facebook, Twitter. It will be my servant, at my beck and call.
I refuse to be its slave. I refuse to reach for “it” before I reach for HIM.
IT will serve me.
I will not serve IT.
Refusing to be a slave…
xo
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Susan, this is so good!
I love the story of Laine’s relationship with her gadgets.
Mostly, I love how quickly you obey when you feel the Lord speaking to you.
Oh Shelby, it’s been a slow, agonizing lesson…
I’ve read many of your posts… But THIS! Thank you for obeying and sharing in a day that you normally don’t. Lives ( including mine) will be challenged and changed!
Mine has been.
What you said is so very true. I can’t help thinking about our kids and grandkids who never knew a time
when they didn’t have their electronics. It’s so addictive.
It is such an easy habit to fall into.
Love!
Love!
This is spot on! I needed to read this because have been struggling with stuff that has left me wondering whether or not they have a hold on me. This really speaks into all that and confirms what I felt the Lord saying. Thank you for blogging on a Thursday 😉
Natalie, I think if we really do a “search me O God and know my heart” kind of prayer, there are several things that “have a hold on us.” O! for grace.
I am renaming all of my devices today! They shall now be called my servants.
Thank you dear friend,
Patti
A.M.E.N.
Love this! Convicting, but still love it!
I also love the thought of our gadgets being our servant. It’s all in how you look at things, is it not? We are blessed to have all these things that are supposed to make life easier. (So, why isn’t it?) I do especially love the crockpot that I can give the job of having my food ready when I get home. If only there were a prep-servant! LOL
Robotic prep chef???
I LOVE this Susan!! Such a brilliant way of explaining this issue and a practical mindset for reigning it in to better serve Christ. Saving this one. Shared too! Thanks!
Bethany, let’s keep the phones servant to us!!!
Amen and amen!
Thank you, Susan, for going there.
Seems God is taking me THERE a lot lately. I feel like Jeremiah, the lamenting prophet.
I’m definitely a slave to my phone! Great article!
Uh-oh…quick make it a servant!!!
Well I certainly can confirm the message that you received! Here it is 2:30 in the afternoon and I have not had my quiet time yet when I pray, read your blog and take some time with my God. I usually start early in the morning with my cup of coffee but today I had to run to Home Depot very early to bring back some paint that needed to be used this morning. So I missed my quiet time and finally I’m sitting down for a few minutes to take my Time with the Lord. In front of me I see an enticing magazine and just thought ” I’ll look at it for a minute”, all of a sudden I thought- “no I need to do this first!” And then I read your blog!
Isn’t it wonderful when the Lord speaks so clearly to us!
Ali, happens the “best” of us!!!! Can’t wait to see you.
You go girl…
Electronics are handy gadgets created to serve us and our purposes. It is amazing how they can take over and strengths then become weaknesses. Kudos!
TO SERVE US!
I have to say, this is one my favorite posts so far! Maybe because I like having my toes stepped on:) Seriously, you have challenged me to evaluate some things!
Thanks, Crystal!!!