I really thought I was done with technology. Seriously. I was ready to toss out all my desktop systems, tech gear, and just hang on to my MacBook. I felt like my decades of experience with computers, tech, photography, graphics, audio, video, and the countless software tools I’d mastered since I was 9 were behind me. I was ready to call it quits.

God had opened my eyes, and the old man in me was dead. My focus had shifted, and I wasn’t interested in that direction anymore. I was convinced my tech days were over.

I found myself in a space where I thought my tech era had ended. God brought me to my knees, and I couldn’t see how any of those things had a place in my life anymore. I didn’t know exactly what He wanted me to do next, but I knew it wasn’t the same path I had been walking.

Rediscovering My Purpose Through Tech

Fast forward four years. In that time, I used tech only to dive deeper into the Word. That was it. Then, by God’s grace, I found a church (thank You, Lord!) and slowly began to see how God might use my tech skills for His kingdom. Social media, video, photography, graphic design—these weren’t just skills I had acquired. They were tools God had equipped me with to serve the Body of Christ.

But let’s be real: social media is a battlefield. It’s filled with garbage like politics, inappropriate content, and distractions that I have zero interest in. Navigating that space requires spiritual armor, and I thank God for equipping me to handle it with care.

Here’s what I’ve learned about staying focused and avoiding the temptations that come with working in the digital space.

5 Tips for Staying Focused in a Distracting Digital World

1. Stay Focused on Your Purpose
When it’s time to post content, don’t get sidetracked. It’s so easy to get lost in reels or shorts, and before you know it, hours have slipped away. Post with purpose, then move on.

2. Be Aware of the Algorithms
The algorithms are not your friend! They’re designed to pull you in, and as a believer, you need to be prepared. Clickbait, eye-catching distractions, and temptation are everywhere. Stick to your mission, refer back to step 1, and stay on track.

3. Avoid Getting Caught in Trends
Trendy videos can be a trap. Be intentional about the content you consume. Follow and subscribe to channels that align with your faith like church tech resources, Bible study tools, and how-to guides for ministry. There’s a wealth of great content out there if you stay within the right lanes.

4. Turn Off Notifications
Let’s be honest: constant notifications are a recipe for distraction. Shut them off. Check your posts and comments on a scheduled basis or during busy church days, like Sunday. I usually check our church’s social media once a day to reply to comments or verify scheduled posts are up. Speaking of which…

5. Schedule Your Posts
This has been a game-changer for me. I can schedule a week’s worth of posts in one day, which keeps me from feeling like I have to check social media constantly. It frees up my time to focus on Bible study, discipleship, and the real ministry work that needs to happen.

The Digital World Is a Tool, But In-Person Ministry Is Irreplaceable

Don’t get me wrong, social media is a fantastic tool for ministry. Posting reels, shorts, and highlights from our services helps get the Word out in ways I never could have imagined. It’s an incredible outreach ministry, and I’ve seen results from it that are truly a blessing.

But nothing replaces face-to-face encounters and in-person fellowship. There’s something about using the gifts God has given us in real-time, with real people, that can’t be duplicated online. The internet is great, but the in-person ministries are where the real life-changing moments happen.

Finding the Balance Between Tech and Spiritual Life

I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy to strike the right balance between tech and spiritual life. Most of the time, I’m blending the two for the Lord’s work. I’ve learned to see value in both, and I’m intentional about keeping them in their respective places throughout the week.

As someone who’s spent years in tech, I now understand how the Lord has called me to bring light in both digital spaces and face-to-face ministry. He’s equipped me to withstand the temptations and distractions that come with being online, and I take that responsibility seriously. We’re bombarded with evil all day long, but by God’s grace, I know I’ve been given the tools to navigate it and stay focused on what really matters.

A Biblical Reminder: Serving the Lord with Our Gifts

As I’ve worked through the balance between technology and spiritual life, I’ve been reminded of a powerful truth from Scripture:

Colossians 3:23-24:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

This verse has been a guide for me in realizing that every skill, whether it’s tech-based or spiritual, is a gift from God to be used for His glory. Whether I’m working on social media for the church, engaging in face-to-face discipleship, or just navigating the distractions of the digital world, my focus is to serve the Lord with all my heart.

God has entrusted each of us with unique talents, and when we direct them toward His purposes, we’re fulfilling the very mission He’s called us to. This verse serves as a reminder to stay focused on that higher calling in everything we do.

Conclusion: Staying Focused on the Mission

In this tech-saturated world, it’s easy to get pulled in every direction. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher purpose, and that requires intentionality. Whether we’re using social media to spread the Word or serving our communities in person, the goal is always to glorify God.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s just that—a tool. It’s how we use it that matters. When we stay grounded in our faith and intentional with our time, tech can become a vessel for ministry instead of a distraction.

So, let’s keep our eyes on the prize. As long as we’re mindful of digital distractions and prioritize our time in the Word, we can confidently navigate both the physical and digital realms for God’s glory.

The Lord has equipped each of us with unique skills, whether it’s in tech, ministry, or something else entirely. When we submit those skills to His service, incredible things happen. I’m grateful for the ways God has used my tech background for His kingdom, and I hope this encourages you to reflect on how He might be calling you to do the same.