We live in a time unlike any before. Smartphones, social media, streaming, AI — screens shape how we work, learn, connect, and even worship. Never in history has so much information, entertainment, and distraction been available in the palm of our hands.

But with every swipe and scroll, a question rises: How do we follow Jesus faithfully in a digital age?

Discipleship hasn’t changed — Jesus still calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). But the environment we live in has absolutely changed.

The Challenge of Screens

Screens aren’t evil. They’re tools. But like all tools, they shape us while we use them. Left unchecked, they can:

• Distract us from God’s presence. Endless notifications train our brains to focus on the urgent instead of the eternal.
• Feed comparison, anxiety, and addiction. Social media can tempt us to measure our worth against curated highlight reels.
• Replace real community with shallow connection. Hundreds of “friends” online, but no one to pray with in person.
• Erode stillness and reflection. Silence feels uncomfortable when constant stimulation is always available.

Paul warned, “I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12). If our devices master us, we’re not walking in freedom.

Technology isn’t neutral. It pushes us one way or another — either toward Christ, or toward distraction. Most often it’s toward distraction.

Principles to Consider

1. Be Present With God

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Stillness is almost impossible if we’re always plugged in. Digital discipleship means carving out intentional space to be device-free with God.

• Put your Bible app down sometimes and open a physical Bible.
• Begin your day with prayer before you reach for your phone.
• Build rhythms of silence into your week where God can speak.

2. Guard Your Eyes and Ears

“I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” — Psalm 101:3

In the digital age, temptation is one click away. Pornography, gossip, outrage — they flood our feeds. Discipleship means disciplining what we consume.

• Use filters not just for children, but for yourself.
• Ask: “Does this content draw me closer to Christ or dull my hunger for Him?”
• Choose media that strengthens your spirit instead of feeding your flesh.

3. Use Tech to Multiply Good, Not Noise

Paul used letters to disciple believers across cities. The early church leveraged Roman roads and Greek language for gospel spread. Today, we have tools that can amplify truth even further.

• Send texts of encouragement.
• Share Scripture instead of only sharing opinions.
• Use platforms to testify about God’s goodness, not just to entertain.

The digital world doesn’t need more noise — it needs more light.

4. Pursue Real Community

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:25

Live-stream services, podcasts, and Bible apps are blessings — but they cannot replace face-to-face discipleship. Screens can supplement, but they can’t substitute.

• Make church gathering a non-negotiable.
• Join a small group where people know you and can pray for you.
• Resist the temptation to hide behind online connections when your soul needs embodied community.

5. Take Digital Sabbaths

God commanded His people to rest weekly, not because He needed it, but because we do. In the same way, digital rest renews our souls.

• Pick one evening or one day a week to go screen-free.
• Use that time for prayer, family, reading, or creation.
• Let your mind detox from endless scrolling.

Sabbath isn’t wasted time. It’s a declaration that God is in control even when you unplug.

A Life Application

As a police officer, I see how screens can complicate life — cyberbullying, online exploitation, digital scams. Technology is powerful, but it can wound deeply when misused. That’s why I know following Jesus in the digital age must include wisdom with technology.

As a father, I’ve realized my kids won’t remember how many emails I answered, or how many followers I have, but they will remember if I was present. They need eye contact more than screen time. They need discipleship modeled in real life, not just through online content. That means putting the phone down and choosing face-to-face investment over digital distraction.

Conclusion

The age of screens doesn’t make discipleship impossible — it makes it more urgent. Jesus is still calling, and His words cut through the noise: “Follow Me.”

So let’s use technology, but not be used by it. Let’s disciple in the digital age with intentionality, guarding our hearts, and keeping our eyes on Christ.

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About the Author

I write at the crossroads of faith, leadership, and storytelling. If this reflection spoke to you, I invite you to explore my books — works that aim to equip, encourage, and challenge believers to live with courage and conviction.

1. [Command Presence: Tactical Guide for Life & Leadership] – lessons from law enforcement applied to everyday resilience.
2. FREE – [Faith & Focus Devotional] – daily encouragement for grounding your spirit in Christ.
3. [Sacred Ground: Bloody Knuckles] – stories of struggle, grit, and redemption.

You can find them here or at the links above.