Transforming Our Lives in a Digital Age
Summary
As we step into 2025, it's a time to reflect on the influences shaping our lives, particularly the pervasive role of technology. While many of us may have mixed feelings about New Year's resolutions, the impulse to recalibrate and become the person we aspire to be is universal. We are constantly being shaped by our environment, culture, and experiences, and in today's world, technology is a significant influence. Our devices, often seen as mere tools, are actively shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and even our spiritual lives.
The challenge we face is not just about managing our screen time but understanding how these digital interactions are molding us. Technology is not neutral; it has the power to transform us physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally. We are living in a "digital Babylon," a world with foreign customs and gods, where remaining faithful to our beliefs requires intentionality and discernment.
Romans 12:1-2 calls us to non-conformity and transformation through the renewal of our minds. This means resisting the patterns of this world, including the digital norms that often go unquestioned. We must critically assess how our digital habits align with our values and the person we want to become. This involves a commitment to digital distinction, where we consciously choose what to engage with and what to avoid for the sake of our spiritual growth.
Transformation begins in the mind, and we are encouraged to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. This requires a rewiring of our neural pathways, shaped by various influences, to align with God's truth. It's about cultivating holy attention, where we regularly redirect our thoughts to God and His character. This is not just about avoiding distractions but actively seeking to fill our minds with what is good and life-giving.
As we embark on this journey, it's important to offer grace and patience to ourselves and others. Each of us will have different convictions and practices, and the goal is not uniformity but intentionality. By making small, deliberate choices, we can gradually transform into the people God calls us to be, living as a community of intentional formation in an age of compulsive scrolling.
Key Takeaways:
1. Influence of Technology: Technology is a powerful influence in our lives, shaping us in ways we often overlook. It's crucial to recognize that our devices are not neutral tools but active participants in our formation. We must critically assess how they align with our values and the person we want to become. [09:10]
2. Non-Conformity and Transformation: Romans 12:1-2 calls us to resist conforming to the patterns of this world, including digital norms. Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds, focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. This requires intentionality and discernment in our digital habits. [15:11]
3. Holy Attention: Cultivating holy attention involves regularly redirecting our thoughts to God and His character. It's about filling our minds with what is good and life-giving, rather than being consumed by distractions. This practice is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. [24:03]
4. Digital Distinction: We are called to digital distinction, consciously choosing what to engage with and what to avoid for the sake of our spiritual growth. This commitment to non-conformity prepares us for the thousands of choices we face daily, helping us become more like Christ. [17:56]
5. Grace and Patience: As we navigate our digital habits, it's important to offer grace and patience to ourselves and others. Each of us will have different convictions and practices, and the goal is not uniformity but intentionality. By making small, deliberate choices, we can gradually transform into the people God calls us to be. [34:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:34] - The Influence of Our Environment
- [02:18] - Technology's Role in Our Lives
- [03:49] - The Power of Advertising
- [05:06] - Behavior Modification by Design
- [07:44] - The Non-Neutrality of Technology
- [09:10] - Digital Babylon
- [10:16] - Struggling with Digital Habits
- [11:39] - Faithfulness in a Digital Age
- [13:19] - Romans 12: A Call to Non-Conformity
- [15:11] - Cultural Osmosis and Digital Molds
- [16:51] - Commitment to Digital Distinction
- [19:03] - Becoming Like Christ
- [21:35] - Rewiring Our Minds
- [24:03] - The Work of Holy Attention
- [25:33] - Living Sacrifices and True Worship
- [28:38] - Intentional Formation in a Digital Age
- [31:24] - Digital Habits Audit
- [34:14] - Offering Grace and Patience
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 12:1-2
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what are believers urged to do in view of God's mercy? How does this relate to the concept of being a "living sacrifice"? [13:19]
2. In the sermon, how is technology described as influencing our lives? What are some specific ways mentioned that technology shapes us? [09:10]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the neutrality of technology? How does this perspective challenge common assumptions about our devices? [07:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "digital Babylon," and what parallels are drawn between this and the ancient Israelites' experience? [09:10]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice" in the context of Romans 12:1-2, and how might this apply to our digital habits? [25:33]
2. How does the sermon interpret the call to "non-conformity" in Romans 12:2 in relation to digital engagement? What might this look like in practical terms? [16:51]
3. The sermon discusses "holy attention" as a way to focus on God. How does this concept relate to the renewal of the mind mentioned in Romans 12:2? [24:03]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can critically assess our digital habits to ensure they align with our values and the person we want to become? [11:39]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current digital habits. Are there specific areas where you feel technology is shaping you in ways that don't align with your values? What steps can you take to address this? [31:24]
2. Romans 12:2 calls for the renewal of the mind. What practical steps can you take this week to focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy? [21:35]
3. The sermon emphasizes offering grace and patience to ourselves and others as we navigate digital habits. How can you practice this in your interactions with others this week? [34:14]
4. Consider the idea of "digital distinction" mentioned in the sermon. What specific digital content or platforms might you choose to engage with less, and why? [17:56]
5. The sermon suggests performing a digital habits audit. What questions will you ask yourself to evaluate your digital engagement, and how will you use this information to make changes? [31:24]
6. How can you cultivate "holy attention" in your daily routine? Identify one specific time or activity where you can redirect your thoughts to God. [24:03]
7. The sermon mentions the influence of technology on our spiritual lives. How can you ensure that your digital interactions support rather than hinder your spiritual growth? [09:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Technology
Technology is not just a passive tool; it actively shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and spiritual lives. In today's world, our devices influence us in ways we often overlook, molding our perceptions and actions. This influence is not neutral, as technology has the power to transform us physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally. As we navigate this digital age, it's crucial to critically assess how our digital interactions align with our values and the person we aspire to become. By recognizing the active role technology plays in our formation, we can make more intentional choices about how we engage with it. [09:10]
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally limit the influence of technology in your life today to better align with your spiritual values?
Day 2: Resisting Digital Conformity
Romans 12:1-2 calls us to resist conforming to the patterns of this world, including the digital norms that often go unquestioned. Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds, focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. This requires intentionality and discernment in our digital habits, as we are constantly being shaped by the content we consume. By critically evaluating our digital interactions, we can resist the cultural osmosis that seeks to mold us into something contrary to our values. This commitment to non-conformity prepares us for the thousands of choices we face daily, helping us become more like Christ. [15:11]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What digital habits do you need to reassess to ensure they align with your commitment to non-conformity and spiritual growth?
Day 3: Cultivating Holy Attention
Cultivating holy attention involves regularly redirecting our thoughts to God and His character. In a world filled with distractions, it's essential to fill our minds with what is good and life-giving. This practice is not just about avoiding distractions but actively seeking to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. By rewiring our neural pathways to align with God's truth, we can experience spiritual growth and transformation. This intentional focus on holy attention helps us cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out our faith in meaningful ways. [24:03]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cultivate holy attention and focus on what is life-giving?
Day 4: Embracing Digital Distinction
We are called to digital distinction, consciously choosing what to engage with and what to avoid for the sake of our spiritual growth. This commitment to non-conformity requires us to be intentional about our digital interactions, ensuring they align with our values and the person we want to become. By making deliberate choices about what we consume and how we engage with technology, we can prepare ourselves for the thousands of decisions we face daily. This intentional approach to digital distinction helps us become more like Christ and live out our faith in a digital age. [17:56]
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: What digital content or habits do you need to avoid to embrace digital distinction and align with your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Offering Grace and Patience
As we navigate our digital habits, it's important to offer grace and patience to ourselves and others. Each of us will have different convictions and practices, and the goal is not uniformity but intentionality. By making small, deliberate choices, we can gradually transform into the people God calls us to be. This journey requires grace and patience, as we recognize that transformation is a process that takes time. By supporting one another in this journey, we can live as a community of intentional formation in an age of compulsive scrolling. [34:14]
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you extend grace and patience to yourself and others as you navigate your digital habits and spiritual growth?
Quotes
The New Year feels like this time to wrench yourself free from the bad habits you developed over the previous year. It feels like the time to recalibrate to the life you want to live. It feels like the time to become the person you want to be. [00:01:11] (19 seconds)
We are not people of our own making. We are the complex amalgamation of environment, of culture, of parenting, of economics, of social circle, and experiences. Each of us sit at the center of countless influences. Our emotions, our preferences, our dispositions, our morals, and our habits. Are being formed, and reformed, and reformed again. [00:01:59] (32 seconds)
And to resist the inertia of our digital world, we must be committed to nonconformity, to digital distinction. That we might be differentiated in our digital habits. Paul says, do not be conformed to the patterns of this world. Maybe said differently, commit yourself to being distinct from the patterns around you. This is nonconformity and digital distinction. [00:17:10] (22 seconds)
Our minds, shaped by all manner of experiences and influences, must be rewired to focus on God. This is the hard work of investigating your assumptions about who God is. It's the hard work of renewing. It's the hard work of renewing your mind, investigating your thought patterns, and committing to truth, putting our attention where it should be. [00:21:57] (27 seconds)
What we're talking about is holy attention, holding in our mind the character, faithfulness, and love of God. This is learning to keep God at the forefront of our thoughts. To often and regularly redirect our minds to him. To take the initiative in our minds and to cultivate attention set on him. [00:24:03] (28 seconds)
The aim is for us to be a community that is intentional about the way in which we're engaging. And that might mean that my convictions and my practices are vastly different than yours. The goal is not for us to have all the exact same passwords and like practices on these things. The aim is for us each to individually, in the discernment of the spirit, work to come to some sort of intentionality regarding our devices. [00:33:20] (34 seconds)
It will take small, intentional decisions over time to become the transformation that we know how to be. So be gracious, be patient, both with yourself and with others. Try not to like tech shame anyone, please. Just be gracious. [00:34:58] (21 seconds)
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