Taking Control of Screen Time

Taking Control of Screen Time by Elizabeth GeorgeAnalyze your screen time. (And this goes for your kids’ screen time too.) Do you know exactly how much time you, “a mom after God’s own heart” (and your “children after God’s own heart”), are watching TV or playing on your phone? Chart or record it for a while if you like.

Then think about how you could use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God.

How did the young woman Mary come to know the scriptures that became the heart of her prayer of praise?
How did Hannah manage to pour life-changing religious teaching into her little boy before he was three years old?
How did the young lad David find the time to meditate on God’s nature, write his worshipful poetry, and offer it up to God in song?

We know the obvious answers, don’t we? (And it has nothing to do with TV/phone/computer—and everything to do with time!)

These acts of devotion occurred because there was time for them to occur. There was also a passionate heart-desire to see them occur. These faithful believers were fiercely intent on knowing God.

Dear mom, with the TV off (or at least on less) and your phone put aside, these activities that shape both heart and soul—of both mother and child—are more likely to happen.

Choose a Devotional Book

A mom after God’s own heart feeds her soul, but she’s also intent on feeding the souls of her children. Select a devotional book for yourself, and one that’s age-appropriate for each child. Then set aside a special time each day for enjoying these books.

They will soon become treasures. If your children can read, have them read their books to you. If your children are older, have them tell you what they’re learning. And be sure you share how you’re growing too. Lead the way to God’s heart! 

Memorize One Verse

Hannah knew God’s Word. Mary knew God’s Word. Timothy’s mother and grandmother (and Timothy too) knew God’s Word. (Are you noting the common denominator in these moms and children after God’s own heart?) Choose a verse to memorize this week.

Don’t know where to begin?Then memorize Luke 10:27, Acts 13:22, or Colossians 3:2. Each one is a verse about the heart.

And pick verses for your children. Again, be sure they are age-appropriate. Even an 18-month-old can remember “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Then see how creative you can be at celebrating each verse learned by heart with all the extra time you have without screen time. What fun!

RESPOND

Father, strengthen my resolve to show my family what it means to be a devoted person of faith. I want to model a joyful commitment to the body of Christ. Give me a heart to pass on to my kids this legacy of eternal importance.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring booktoday! 

REFLECT

Chart or record your screen time (many phones have this capability built in) for a while if you like. How could you use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God?

REMEMBER

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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