• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Candidly Christian

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

  • Blog
    • Most Recent
    • The Gospel
    • Faith
    • Prayer
    • Self Worth
    • Anxiety
    • Chronic Pain
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
  • Resources
    • Candid Books
    • Free Resources
    • Recommended Resources
    • Resources For Christian Bloggers
      • Blog Post Checklist
      • Christian Link-Ups
  • Scriptures to Live By
    • Bible Verses for When the Struggle is Real
      • Bible Verses for When You Feel Worthless
      • Scriptures for When Your Heart is Hurting
      • A Scripture To Trust God When You’re Afraid
      • Scriptures for When You Feel Inadequate
      • 3 Scriptures to Find Balance in an Unbalanced World
      • 5 Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
      • 6 Bible Verses to Read When You Feel Anxious
      • 5 Life Gives You Lemons Verses
    • Scriptures for When You Need Help
      • Scriptures to Help You Overcome Self-Pity
      • Bible Verses to Help You Memorize Scripture
      • 5 Bible Verses to Help You Sleep
    • Scriptures to Live By When You’re Living for Jesus
      • Bible Verses About Hope
      • Bible Verses About God’s Love
      • 5 Bible Verses on Patience
      • Scriptures for the New Year
  • Learn More
    • About Our Ministry
    • Meet The Candid Gals
    • Contact Us
    • Belief Statement
    • The Legal Stuff
  • Get Involved
    • Join Our Prayer Team
    • Join Us For A Candid Anthology
    • Be Our Guest
    • Become a Candid Gal
    • Contact Us
  • Why Jesus?
  • Show Search
Hide Search
I’m Surrounded (By My Own Choices)

I’m Surrounded (By My Own Choices)

Laura Marshall · December 5, 2016 · 21 Comments

Every thing is at my fingertips. I take up my phone for the weather report, a honey sugar mask recipe I stumbled across the other day, to check on a sick friend, order a shirt from my favorite brand, help to care for a cold my son has, or to gain support from a friend.

It’s all at my fingertips.

No wonder I reach for it constantly.

It’s attached to my hip, in my purse, beside me on the couch, closer than my spouse, my kids … my God.

Has it replaced these things? Don’t be ridiculous.

But it’s replaced so much and become essential when other things have fallen away.

Candid Confession

I’m not here to guilt you, but to confess.

I reach for my cell phone over my Bible, ten thousand times to one. Maybe more.

It’s become an idol. In my hand, my heart, my head.

Has your cell phone become an idol? Click To Tweet

Related Post: Confessions of a Women in Ministry

But, but … it’s how I connect, stay informed, find comfort, knowledge, companionship, affirmation, besides I work from it, it helps supplement my income.

cellphone-idol-square

It’s my … source?

Step back and think.

Who is my source?

What have I replaced Jesus and God’s Word with?

But, but … I have a Bible app.

And it’s not the same and not open near as frequently as let’s say, Facebook.

The Challenge

So I challenge myself and you, if you so desire, to pick up the Word of God more. To be more specific, every third time you go to pick up the phone, replace it with picking up the actual Bible.

Not convenient at work? When did work involve our phones and maybe when you’re checking social media at lunch, open that app.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.

Zachariah 1:3
cell phone idolatry

Related Posts

  • The Beautiful Chaos of Summer
  • 6 Reasons You Should Trust God
  • Same Sex Attraction ≠ Leprosy
  • Dealing with Depression: 4 Things God Taught Me
  • God Is Good & We Are Not Alone

About Laura Marshall

Laura J. Marshall works a full-time job, runs several small businesses, is an author and has been raising five sons for almost a quarter of a century. She’s tired of where she’s wandered and is coming back to the heart of Jesus. Join her here for I’m Surrounded and visit her at www.LauraJMarshall.com

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather Hart says

    December 5, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Great post, Laura! This one hit me hard… I know I let technology have a bigger hold on me than I should…

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:41 pm

      It’s a daily struggle. ♡♡

      Reply
  2. Sherry says

    December 5, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Amen – you’re right. I’ve had the same problem and will be take up the challenge.

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      I’m still working on it. Glad to have support trying to work through this. ♡♡

      Reply
  3. Andrea says

    December 5, 2016 at 10:56 am

    That’s a great idea – I definitely have an issue with that

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      Me too, Andrea!! God knows we’really just flesh, but really working on this.

      Reply
  4. Jaime Hampton says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Thank you for the challenging post, Laura. I don’t know many people who can’t relate, and I’m certainly one of them! I loved the practical suggestion to pick up the actual Bible every third time I reach for my phone…I’m definitely going to try that.

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Awesome, Jaime. Keep on keeping on. A scripture God reminded me of today is that “he remembers we are but dust”.

      Reply
  5. Starla Jimenez says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Great article and reminder. I’ll be sharing this one.

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Thank you, Starland. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Amy Christensen says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Great post, Laura. I do not have a smart phone, so I don’t reach for my phone as much as maybe someone else, but I have other idols in my life….food, clothes, comfort….the list could go on. I appreciate this post, because it reminded me to ask myself, what am I reaching for besides God. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 5, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      Wow, Amy. That’s so true. I’m so glad you shared. We surely do love our comforts. Trying to keep my #1 as my relationship with Christ.

      Reply
  7. Kay says

    December 5, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    Love this. We just talked about this at a church function tonight. Thanks for this reminder!

    Reply
  8. Terri says

    December 5, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    Great reminder, i am addicted to my phone and social media.

    Reply
  9. Shannon Wilson says

    December 5, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    So very true. I find my phone or my kindle in my hands every time I turn around. I freak out when I can’t find them and will tear up rooms just to find them. I feel the pull to these things so strongly and I really thing I just need to leave them off sometimes. Thanks for the challenge

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 8, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Yes, I’m doing better but certainly not always denying the draw. I’ve recently been leaving the bible app open so I easily can read where I left off instead of hitting the Facebook icon.

      Reply
  10. Sheila Schweiger-Rhodes says

    December 7, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    I wish I could tell you the number of times I have asked where my phone was only to have it in my hand. Now, that is bad! I must say I have set some pretty strict boundaries for myself which have been very helpful.
    1. I don’t take the phone into our bedroom
    2. I turn it on silent between the hours of 11:00 pm -8:00 am. Did you know you can set your phone with a code so if there is an emergency people can get through to you? My most important people have the code.
    3. On Sunday, the phone is off until after church.
    4. Every family member’s phone goes into the basket and on silent during dinner time. (usually 45 min.)

    Sometimes, these are hard to follow, but I knew God was calling me to be obedient and be an example. I’m not perfect , but I’m striving to do better in this area.

    Reply
    • Laura Marshall says

      December 8, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Great tips!!! Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Mindy Harris White says

    December 10, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Guilty! Thanks for the reminder to check what my priorities are and to get them back in order. Needed this nudge in the right direction 🙂

    Reply
  12. Lori says

    December 10, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    I am probably the only 40 something year old woman without a cell phone. But I do tend to use the computer a lot if I don’t keep myself in check. This is a great reminder and challenge, Laura. Thanks for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

    Reply
  13. Heidi Hollander says

    May 3, 2017 at 7:34 am

    Amen. Now how do we give it up when we still need it. I’d appreciate more tips.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Let's Get Candid

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Are You Suffering from Soul Dehydration?
  • Spirit Lead Me: 2 Simple Steps For Seeking The Holy Spirit
  • New Eyes & Excessive Worry
  • Jesus and the Woman at the Well
  • 3 Truths I’m Learning About Spiritual Warfare

Recent Videos

Weekly LinkUps

Salt and Light Grace and Truth

More Christian Link-Ups

Candid Conversations

Click here to find out more.

Our Most Popular Posts

  • 5 Verses to Help You Overcome Self-Pity
  • 5 Bible Verses for When You Feel Worthless
  • 3 Steps to Overcome Laziness
  • My (winning) Battle with Health Anxiety
  • Confessions of a Woman in Ministry

Support Our Ministry

Christian Books
Prayer Team
Visit Heather's Etsy Shop
Support Candidly Christian
Please note that CandidlyChristian.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Click here to find out more

Who’s Behind The Scenes?

Heather Hart
Candidly Christian was founded by Heather Hart; an internationally best-selling and award-winning author with a passion for the gospel of Jesus and a heart for women’s ministry. Her goal isn’t to teach women how they can do better, be better, or achieve perfection, it’s to point them to Jesus.

Click here to learn more about Heather Hart and the rest of the Candid Gals.

Posts by Author

Heather Hart
Jaime Hampton
Mariel Davenport
Sarah J Callen
Sheila Schweiger-Rhodes
Sherry Chamblee
Stephanie M. Carter
Valerie Riese
See Your Name Here
Candid Guests

Our Favorite Planner

The Hope Planner
Affiliate Link

Candidly Christian Has Been Featured On…

Grace and Truth Link-Up Christian Blogger Directory

Top Christian Women Blog

© 2016–2022 | Privacy | Home

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT