I grew up in a church culture where each sermon ended, “With your heads bowed …” followed by an invitation to raise your hand if you wanted to be saved or if you wanted prayer for some particular need related to the sermon. But in our day, I sometimes think that it might be more helpful to conclude with, “Please don’t bow your heads” because, oftentimes, a bowed head after the service means that attention has been turned from the Word to the world. In the book The Wolf in their Pockets, which the elders are reading, Chris Martin writes, “Pastor, are you aware that the people who bow their heads in prayer after your sermon bow their heads in devotion to all manner of foolishness on their screens the other six days of the week?” True. But I would add that, for some Christians, their heads are bowed immediately after the service as they immediately turn to their cell phone. And I can all too easily relate.
The other day, I was at an Eisteddfod to listen to my grandson recite a poem. As the session began we were told to put our phones on silent. I did so, putting it in my pocket. Forty-five minutes later, I could hardly wait to see what I had missed in cyberspace. I was embarrassed to think how easily distracted I can be and how too often disinterested in what is happening right under my nose. I suspect that you can probably identify with the same malady.
The author above is deeply concerned about the impact of smartphones, particularly when it comes to social media. His research highlights the need to beware of what is often a detrimental consequence of what otherwise could be a means for good. In a recent best-selling secular book, addressing similar concerns, Jonathan Haidt proves conclusively how social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) is related to increased anxiety, bullying, depression, and suicide among young people. In An Anxious Generation, Haidt calls for radical (i.e. sensible!) measures to be implemented by parents, schools, and the social media industry to mitigate what can otherwise be destructive consequences of social media. Both Martin (a committed Christian) and Haidt (a confused atheist) realise the perilous possibility of irresponsible use of social media and therefore they call for both discernment and for practical safeguards. A good dose of self-discipline would help as well.
When Paul concluded his first epistle to the church in Corinth, he commended “the house of Stephanas” that had “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15–16, KJV). Having bowed their heads to Jesus Christ in response to his gospel, they then lowered their heads to do what was necessary relationally and “resourcefully” to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the kind of “addiction” that should characterise every Christian. And it is precisely here where our smartphones often prove to be a dumb use of technology as they distract us from meaningful worship and divert us from biblical fellowship. We need to beware, and probably most of us need to repent.
I saw a slide on a screen at another church where I recently preached, which you will start seeing it at BBC. It read, “The Lord may be calling you, but we doubt it will be on your cell phone. Please put your phone on SILENT! Thank you.” I love it! But in addition, keep it in your pocket or in your purse until long after the church service.
Now, I don’t mean to make us self-conscious if we need to look at our phone at church. I am, however, making the appeal that we try and focus on another world that intersects our world. As we gather on the Lord’s Day, let us focus our attention on the truths we are singing, the truths we are hearing, the truths we are observing in the ordinances. And then let that focus linger long after the final amen. Rather than bowing your head to check your messages, lift your head to engage with fellow-worshippers, lift your head to greet and interact with visitors, lift your head to seek Christ who is above. And having done this, perhaps then bow your head with others before you leave the building, asking the Lord for his grace as you enter a world of wolves that aim to trivialise the truth of God. Pray for grace to fend off what might otherwise be a ravenous wolf in your pocket.
Just trying to help,
Doug