The Smart Phone, The Greatest invention or Greatest Distraction


As human beings, we easily get distracted by events and lose focus on our objectives. School kids daydream, pass notes, and engage in mischief, while adults have lengthy watercooler conversations instead of being productive.
The concept of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was introduced by British Pediatrician Sir George Frederic Still in 1902. Later, medications like Ritalin and Concerta were developed to treat ADHD.
Interestingly, biblical figures exhibited ADHD-like behaviors. For example:
King Solomon's many concubines and idolatrous worship distracted him from his duties (1 Kings 11:1-13).
King David's affair with Bathsheba led him to orchestrate her husband's death (2 Samuel).
Peter's focus wavered while walking on water towards Jesus, causing him to sink (Matthew 14:22-33).
Martha's priorities were misplaced as she focused on household tasks instead of listening to Jesus (Luke 10:40).


However, a more modern distraction has taken hold: smartphones. Introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007, these devices have revolutionized the way we live, but not always for the better. We use them for everything except meaningful human interaction – playing games, scrolling through social media, taking pictures, and listening to music.
The consequences are far-reaching. Families no longer engage in dinner table conversations, and watercooler chats have been replaced by text messages. Distracted walking, workplace accidents, and texting-and-driving crashes have become all too common. Even in theaters and places of worship, people can't seem to put their phones away.
I've personally struggled with this issue, having checked Facebook during sermons. Recently, I've taken steps to regain control: removing Facebook from my phone and deleting games as a measure of self-discipline.
It's ironic that Alexander Graham Bell patented the phone in 1876 to facilitate human connection, yet today we use it for everything but that.

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