Ok, some of you will not agree with this, perhaps, but if not, just ignore it as the ramblings of an almost-fifty something preacher shell-shocked by the baby boom. What is the thing that is the greatest thief of time for today’s pastor? Some would say its TV and that may still be true. Americans (and yes even
Christians) spend an unhealthy amount of their time vicariously living someone else’s reality show.
Though I don’t have the research to prove it, however, I think that TV may be second when it comes to losing precious time, and that may be especially true for pastors. What has become number 1? It’s probably what you’re reading right now: It’s the flickering screen of a computer. My own experience tells me that it is true. I’ll sit down to prepare a sermon, when I’ll hear an email come in. Of course, I’m curious, so I go over and read it. It’s Sister Ann wanting to know the answer to some theological question or to get my reaction to the latest “chain e-mail.” By the time I wade through all the spam, I’ve killed thirty minutes. Of course, one of those e-mails I received was from Amazon and I need to check out the new flat screens. There goes another fifteen minutes. And then there’s my Bible software that keeps telling me I need to purchase the latest commentary set while it’s in pre-publication so I can save big money. By the time I’m through 2 hours have passed and half of my study time for the day has been frittered(or tweeted) away.
While technology has enriched our lives, that enrichment has come at the cost of our time. The one thing in my life that needs more discipline than anything else is the digital tool that I am using right now. So let’s have a conversation: How have you disciplined your digital media? How do you keep it from stealing your time?
#1 by jimmy at June 18th, 2009
Rusty,
This is a great post. I battle the same thing when I try to study. One of the things that has helped me is to use a different computer for my sermon preparation. I don’t use an email program on it and this helps me literally shut down all forms of communication when I study. I turn my cell phone off, lock the door, and put my land line on DND. This is the only way I have been able to battle this. I have more success when I start the morning this way. If I check one email it all seems to fall apart on me. Thanks again!
#2 by casey at June 19th, 2009
thanks Rusty for bringing this up…there must be a reason for all these great distractions during study time? I find these same distractions when I could be investing in my kids..some of the two most important things to do in my job and at my home. Thanks for reminding me to be disciplined during preparation and discipling my kids!
#3 by Jacob at June 29th, 2009
I took a Facebook fast for a week once. Very freeing.