A Distracted Disciple: How Our Attention Spans Keep Us From Growing & What To Do About It
From Gaming To God
Richard Owens had always prided himself on being a dedicated husband, father, and provider. By day, he worked tirelessly as a sales manager, ensuring his family of five had everything they needed. Evenings were filled with the chaos of dinner, homework, and bedtime stories. But once the kids were tucked in and the house grew quiet, Richard claimed his personal time—the sacred hours between 9 p.m. and midnight. For years, this window had been his escape, a time to unwind with video games.
It seemed harmless. Richard would immerse himself in the digital world, conquering levels, earning high scores, and connecting with online friends. But over time, those hours began to add up. His wife, Emily, often fell asleep alone, and mornings found him groggy and irritable. He dismissed her gentle comments about his late-night habits, reassuring her, “It’s just my way of relaxing.”
One evening, after a particularly intense gaming session, Emily sat him down. “Richard, I love that you work so hard for our family, but I feel like we’re missing something. You’re so focused on these games, but what about your spiritual growth? What if you were as intentional about your faith as you are about your scores?”
Her words stung, but they also resonated. Richard had always considered himself a man of faith, but he realized he couldn’t remember the last time he’d opened his Bible or spent meaningful time with God. His priorities, it seemed, were out of balance.
That night, Richard made a decision. He wouldn’t quit gaming entirely, but he would dedicate the first hour of his “me time” to spiritual growth. It felt like a small step, but it was a deliberate one.
The next evening, instead of booting up his console, Richard searched for a sermon online. He found a series on practical faith and watched with a notebook in hand. The message challenged him, and for the first time in years, he felt spiritually engaged. Over the weeks, his routine shifted. He began exploring Christian documentaries, worship music, and testimonies on YouTube. What started as a reluctant experiment soon became something he eagerly anticipated.
As Richard’s hunger for spiritual growth deepened, so did his commitment. He began reading his Bible daily, often journaling his reflections. Passages like Matthew 6:33 (“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”) took on new meaning. He started noticing changes in himself—a greater patience with his children, a renewed tenderness toward Emily, and a clarity in his decision-making at work.
Emily, too, saw the transformation. Their late-night conversations became more meaningful as Richard shared what he was learning. One evening, he confessed, “I didn’t realize how much I was missing. Cutting back on games hasn’t felt like a loss; it’s felt like a gain.”
Months passed, and Richard’s spiritual journey flourished. He joined a men’s Bible study, volunteered at church, and even began leading family devotions. Gaming still had a place in his life, but it no longer defined his evenings. By prioritizing his relationship with God, Richard found that everything else—his marriage, parenting, and even his enjoyment of hobbies—felt richer.
One night, as he tucked his youngest into bed, she asked, “Daddy, why don’t you play your games as much anymore?”
Richard smiled and knelt beside her. “Because I found something even better. Spending time with God helps me be a better dad and husband. And you know what? It makes me happier, too.”
As he kissed her goodnight, Richard felt a peace he hadn’t known in years. Trading an hour of distraction for intentional growth had changed his life. And while the journey wasn’t always easy, it was undeniably worth it.
Addicted To Distraction
I’m an addict. My phone’s alarm goes off at 5:40am to tell me it’s time to start my day. I roll over, turn it off, and pick my phone up off of the charger, only to then begin checking messages. Emails, Facebook notifications, text messages from the night before. Literally, within the first 30 seconds of being awake my attention is captured by noise.
Life is noisy and I’m addicted to distraction. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, there’s a constant stream of things demanding our attention. Notifications ping. Emails pile up. TikTok, Netflix, and YouTube are just a tap away. Before we know it, hours—sometimes entire days—have slipped through our fingers, and we’re left wondering where the time went.
But here’s the kicker: while we’re so busy giving our attention to these distractions, something far more important is being left behind—our spiritual growth. And it’s not just about reading our Bibles more or praying longer. It’s about our ability to connect with God, hear His voice, and grow into the people He’s called us to be. As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to imitate His ways, and I fear we’re sometimes too distracted with life and culture to fill our time with Him.
Are We Wasting What God Has Given Us?
I’ll admit, I’ve had those evenings where I sit down to watch one or two YouTube videos while I wind down for the evening and suddenly it’s midnight and I’ve binged prank videos for 3 hours. Or I’ve opened my phone to check something “quickly” and ended up scrolling mindlessly for an hour. Sound familiar?
In today's digital age, the average adult spends approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes daily engaged with screens across various devices. This equates to nearly 47 hours each week—a significant portion of our lives dedicated to digital consumption. Such extensive screen time not only impacts our productivity but also poses challenges to our mental and emotional well-being. The constant influx of digital distractions can divert our focus from meaningful, real-world interactions and personal growth. Recognizing and addressing these habits is crucial for fostering a more balanced and spiritually fulfilling life.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Having a biblical worldview does not completely prevent us from watching funny cat videos or playing silly games on our phones. Entertainment and rest have their place. But the problem comes when we’re so distracted by what’s easy and mindless that we neglect what’s meaningful and eternal. Jesus didn’t save us so we could binge-watch our lives away or endlessly scroll. He saved us to know Him better and live a life of purpose, connection, and impact.
The Role of Short-Form Content in Our Distracted Minds
One of the problems is that short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are designed to hold our attention for just a few seconds at a time. With rapid scene changes, snappy editing, and instant gratification, they train our brains to crave constant stimulation. Over time, this rewires how we focus, making it harder to engage with anything that requires sustained attention—like prayer, Bible study, or meaningful conversations.
Similarly, modern TV shows and movies often use quick cuts and ever-changing angles to keep us visually engaged. While this makes for exciting viewing, it also conditions us to expect constant novelty. As a result, when faced with something slower-paced, like meditating on Scripture or sitting quietly before God, our minds tend to wander or grow restless. The very content we consume to "relax" often leaves us less capable of deep thought or meaningful engagement.
The Cost of Distraction
The discipleship journey for Christians is full of obstacles and distractions that require intentional choices and efforts to overcome them. Some of us make very little effort, though. When we spend more time entertaining ourselves than pursuing God, we’re trading eternal growth for temporary gratification. That might sound harsh, but let’s put it in perspective:
How much time do you spend watching something on your phone or TV compared to reading Scripture?
How often do you play games on your phone versus praying or journaling?
When was the last time you intentionally sat in silence to listen for God’s voice instead of filling every moment with noise?
These distractions may feel harmless, but they’re slowly eating away at the time and energy God has given us to grow and serve.
Taking Back Your Time and Attention
If you’re feeling a little convicted, don’t worry—I’m right there with you. The good news is, it’s never too late to make changes. If you want to be more intentional about following Jesus more closely as His disciple, here are some practical tips to help you refocus and reengage:
Start Small and Consistent You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Begin with 10-15 minutes a day of intentional spiritual practice. Read a passage of Scripture, meditate on a verse, or pray. The key is consistency. Developing a proper biblical worldview is done over a longer period of time. Small, regular investments will lead to long-term growth. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Set Boundaries with Technology Use your devices, don’t let them use you. Set time limits for apps, turn off unnecessary notifications, and create tech-free zones in your home. Maybe your first hour of the day becomes a phone-free time to connect with God. Maybe YouTube is limited to certain days of the week. Psalm 90:12 encourages us, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Use your time wisely.
Replace Mindless Habits with Meaningful Ones Instead of scrolling social media during lunch, read a devotional or listen to a worship song. Swap a TV episode for a Bible study. Over time, these small shifts can make a big impact. Philippians 4:8 gives us a framework: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
One idea might simply be to swap mindless entertainment with meaningful, edifying content. Here at www.achristianperspective.com we are developing a growing list of online video courses that teach and train us how to approach God and the world around us with a biblical worldview. Instead of cat videos, maybe you watch some great Christian content online, or sign up for a course like one of these.
Embrace Silence Our world is full of noise, but God often speaks in the quiet. As 1 Kings 19:12 shows us, Elijah encountered God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the "sound of a low whisper." Take time to sit in silence, even if it’s just five minutes a day. Use this time to reflect, listen, and be present with God.
This literally looks like sitting in silence. A car ride is a perfect time to do this. Keep the radio off. Turn off notifications on your phone. Just think about Scripture. Talk to God. Be silent and listen.
Find Accountability Share your goals with a trusted friend, spouse, or small group. They can encourage you, check in, and help you stay on track. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
To find proper accountability in this scenario, consider the following steps that align with biblical principles and practical wisdom:
a) Pray for Guidance
Begin by asking God to direct you to the right person or group for accountability. James 1:5 (ESV) reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Seek His wisdom to identify trustworthy and spiritually mature individuals who can walk alongside you.
b) Choose Spiritually Mature Accountability Partners
Look for individuals who are grounded in their faith, display Christlike character, and are actively pursuing their spiritual growth. Proverbs 13:20 (ESV) says, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Surrounding yourself with godly influences will encourage you to stay focused on your walk with Christ.
c) Be Honest About Your Struggles
Effective accountability starts with transparency. Share your distractions and challenges openly. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) encourages believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Allowing others to see your struggles invites them to support and pray for you effectively.
d) Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Define what accountability will look like in practice. Will you meet weekly for coffee? Exchange texts about your daily spiritual practices? Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Regular check-ins help keep the relationship consistent and fruitful.
e) Use Resources to Enhance Accountability
Consider using Bible reading plans, devotional guides, or journaling tools that you and your accountability partner or group can follow together. This shared focus can help both of you grow and stay committed to spiritual disciplines.
f) Be Willing to Receive Correction
True accountability includes both encouragement and correction. Proverbs 27:6 (ESV) teaches, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." Be open to loving critique, knowing it is meant to guide you back to Christ when distractions pull you away.
g) Commit to Prayer for Each Other
Accountability is most effective when bathed in prayer. Pray regularly for your accountability partner(s) and invite them to do the same for you. Colossians 4:2 (ESV) urges us to "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Remember Your Why Growth in faith isn’t about checking off spiritual to-dos. It’s about an ever-growing discipleship journey that leads to a changed life. It’s about learning to see the world like he sees it (biblical worldview). It’s about knowing God more deeply, becoming more like Christ, and living a life that points others to Him. Keep that purpose in front of you. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."
A Challenge for You
Let’s get real: if you want to grow spiritually, you have to be intentional. So, here’s my challenge to you:
This week, track how you spend your time. Be honest. Then ask yourself, “Am I giving God my best, or just what’s left?” If you see areas where distractions are taking over, take one step to reclaim that time for God. The world will always compete for your attention, but you have a choice. You can let distractions dictate your days, or you can take your thoughts, time, and energy captive for Christ. The more intentional you are about seeking Him, the more you’ll grow into the person He’s called you to be.
Let’s not waste our days away. Instead, let’s use them to know God more, love others better, and live lives that truly matter. You’ve got this—and God’s got you.