Misappropriated Time

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

I got sucked in. 

Fast.

Facebook and Twitter are fun and well...very social (hence the name social networking), but vicious devourers of my time. I try to keep a handle on it. Sometimes using great restraint, sometimes not so much.

And then I was introduced to Pinterest.

Oh my. Talk about a whole new world (yes, you need to chime in on the tune from Aladdin) opening up! I dove right in to photos of dreamy libraries, home decor, delectable treats of every kind...and yes, even some spiritual inspiration.

But before I knew it, I had ventured far from the shore of "just a few minutes" and into the depths of "Oh no! Where did the last hour go???" 

And today that was before my quiet time.

I managed to gain control and head toward some time in His Word.

Through Sarah Young and the Holy Spirit, I clearly felt God's reprimand for failing to "Seek Him first" (Matt. 6:33).  The devotion for today said, "The world is waiting to squeeze you into its mold and to crowd out time devoted to Me....Listen to Me above the clamor of voices trying to distract you. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, for He and I work in perfect harmony. Be still and attentive in My Presence."

I truly want to give Him the firstfruits of my day. And I need His help.

Am I saying that social media is bad? No. We just need to seek balance and beseech the Holy Spirit to control our minds and be louder than the clamor of voices trying to distract us.

Lord, help us to seek You first. To prepare our hearts and minds for the day ahead. To allow You to set the tone and the pace for the journey before us. May we hear Your whispers above the clamor that threatens our focus. Draw us to Your Holy Place.                                                        

Finding Balance

You shall have no other gods before me.  Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

I stood firm for years.  Barely even tempted.

Then they said I had to try it.

My friends.  My "tribe."  My Christian writer girlfriends.

I gave in.  And not just a little.  I jumped in with both feet.

And then it happened. 

I was hooked.

I didn't know it could take hold that fast.

Facebook.

Actually, that was one of the reasons I resisted for so long.  I knew it would be fun...and time consuming.  I had enough trouble keeping up with my email and trying to be somewhat consistent on my blog.   And oh my.  It was true.  I can't help being seduced by that tab before me everytime I get online.  In the two short weeks since I joined, I discovered that I need to use some self-control.  I've got to find a balance.

I love the "fellowship" right there at my fingertips...with pictures and everything!  I can feel like I'm near my  Jesus girls that live far from me.  And what a blessing that we can encourage each other...lots of each others with a few clicks on the keyboard.

However, I can get so easily distracted and curious and end up spending hours just browsing.  Fun, but the best use of my time?

My friend, Edie Melson, who lead the rally to get me hooked up with Facebook (and Twitter, this non-techie girl is struggling to figure out) shared her daily schedule with us at the NCompass retreat.  She said that she spends, if I recall correctly, only 30 minutes or so managing her social networking each morning.  That girl has some self-discipline!  (That is her time before her work day begins.  She does check back in and out at scheduled intervals...and in her evening leisure.)

And I'm hoping to find self-discipline too.  With God's help.  He commands me not to have any gods before Him.  Sadly, while waiting on my coffee to brew, I find myself tempted to venture into the cyberworld.  Before my time with Him.  I'm feeling conviction on that.

I want Him to be first.  I desire Him to be the One in whom I live and move and have my being. (Acts 18:28)...not social media.  I want His Spirit dwelling in me so that His fruit of self-control is present and active.

Yes, I'll see you on Facebook...and someday possibly become a proficient "tweeter," but I'm going to have my quiet time first.

Father God, please be LORD over our lives.  Help us to abide in You and allow Your Word to abide in us so closely that our lives are controlled by You.  Thank You for creating minds that devise the technology at our fingertips.  Lord, reign in that technology that it may be used for good and not for evil.  Thank You for "friends" that have easy access to share our joys and even sorrows, our ministries, and encouragement in the cyberworld.  Please help us not to forsake the actual gathering together face to face, hand in hand, heart to heart in communion with one another.  Lord, help us to find balance in our lives that honors You.  We love You!