The Cell Phone and the Christian - 1 Corinthians 10:23

Introduction: In September 2008, a tragic train collision occurred in Chatsworth, California, resulting in 25 fatalities and 135 injuries. The incident involved a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train. Investigations revealed that the Metrolink engineer, Robert M. Sanchez, was distracted by text messaging while on duty. Records indicated that Sanchez sent a text message 22 seconds before the collision. This distraction led him to miss a red signal, causing a head-on collision. Following the accident, the California Public Utilities Commission imposed a ban on cell phone use by on-duty railroad personnel to prevent such tragedies in the future. (Wikipedia, Occupational Health & Safety)

What about cell phones in the Church? Well, Thom Rainer wrote an article entitled: The Case Against Using Your Phone During Church. In the article he penned, “I noticed several people in the church using their smartphones or tablets, presumably as a digital Bible or a digital notetaker. For those I could see from my vantage point, I also noticed that many of those with digital devices would click on the notifications they received. They were distracted, and they distracted me. As a point of confession, I looked over the shoulder of a church member last fall as he was looking at the college football rankings for the week. I am ashamed to say I looked longer than I should.” (Outreach, August 23, 2024).

Cell phones cause distractions that can be fatal physically and fatal spiritually. What if you, or someone near you missed what God had for them because you just had to look at your phone?

The ESV translates 1 Corinthians 10:23 like this,

“All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

In today's world, one of the most "lawful" yet potentially harmful tools we use daily is the cell phone. While it has revolutionized communication and access to information, it also has the power to control us, rob our time, and damage our relationships. Today, we will examine our relationship with our phones through the lens of Scripture and learn how to reclaim our lives, time, and relationships for God's glory.

1. The Problem: Cell Phones Control Us – 1 Corinthians 10:23

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

We also read in 1 Corinthians 6:12,

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

While cell phones are not inherently evil, they are addictive! People are prone to addictive behaviors. We get a smartphone to make calls, take pictures, keep our calendars, balance our checkbook, watch movies, or listen to music. All that takes a lot of our time. As people, we can overuse and misuse our cell phones, and it can be detrimental to our spiritual, emotional, and relational health.

The Data Shows

The average person checks their phone 144 times a day (Consumer Affairs), often without even realizing it. This compulsive behavior can lead to:

Lost time: Hours spent scrolling through social media instead of being productive or spending time with God and loved ones.

In 2023 the average American spent approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes daily on their cell phone, not including time spent on calls. This figure has been on the rise, with projections suggesting it will reach around 4 hours and 39 minutes in 2024. (Statista). So, where is it today, in February 2025?

These statistics underscore the significant role cell phones play in our routines and the potential impact on our time and attention.

Broken relationships: Moments meant for connection are replaced by everyone staring at their screens.

There are a few terms for this behavior, depending on the context:

"Phubbing" (phone + snubbing) – Ignoring others in favor of looking at your phone.

"Screen-staring" – A general term for being absorbed in a screen.

"Phone-zombie" – Describes people walking while glued to their screens, unaware of their surroundings.

"Digital trance" – A state of deep focus on a phone, often at the expense of real-world interaction.

I see this when Debbie and I go out and eat at a restaurant. Couples that should be communicating, are staring at their phones, they are scrolling through various social media apps – Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. They are having dinner with the people they love, and yet they feel at the moment that they are missing something!

A Story of a Destroyed Marriage

Michael and Rachel had been married for seven years, and though their relationship was strong initially, things began to unravel with the rise of Michael's cell phone dependency. He was constantly glued to his phone, whether checking emails, scrolling social media, or playing mobile games.

Rachel tried to share her feelings, explaining how she felt invisible when Michael prioritized his phone over conversations, date nights, or even family dinners. However, Michael would dismiss her concerns, saying, “It’s just how I unwind.” Over time, Rachel stopped trying to communicate because she felt unheard, and their connection grew colder.

The breaking point came one evening when Rachel discovered that Michael had spent hours chatting with someone he had met online, sharing personal things he had stopped discussing with her. What began as an innocent distraction turned into emotional infidelity. Heartbroken and feeling neglected, Rachel left the relationship.

Michael later admitted that his unchecked phone use created a distance he didn’t notice until it was too late. His relationship became another casualty of distraction and misplaced priorities.

Distractions: Notifications constantly pull us away from the now (the moment at hand). It happens when we are having our quiet time, when we are praying, or when we are seeking to accomplish a task. I wonder how many dinners have been burned because someone was looking at their cell phone!

It is reported that 1.6 million car crashes are caused annually by drivers using cell phones and texting. 400 of them are fatal. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) says that it takes about five seconds to read a text. During that time, you drive about the length of a football field at around 55mph, which is 360 feet — quite a long way to have your eyes off the road.

Please hear me – Do NOT send me a text message if you are driving.

As I was preparing for this sermon, I was also researching the dangers of cell phone use among teenagers (Parents – DON’T give your teenager a cell phone), and this is what I discovered:

1. Emotional and Mental Health Effects

Increased Anxiety and Depression: Excessive cell phone use is linked to heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Constant access to social media and instant messaging can lead to social comparison, cyberbullying, and fear of missing out (FOMO), all of which negatively impact teenagers' self-esteem and mood.

Stress from Notifications: The pressure to respond to texts, social media alerts, or calls can lead to heightened stress levels. Teens often feel overwhelmed by the expectation of constant availability.

Sleep Disruption: Late-night phone usage, especially due to social media or gaming, is associated with disrupted sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality contributes to emotional instability, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day.

2. Impaired Relationships

Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Teens who spend excessive time on their phones often neglect real-world interactions with family and peers. This can lead to weakened interpersonal relationships and a sense of isolation.

Miscommunication: Emotional connections may suffer when teens rely on digital communication instead of face-to-face conversations, as tone, body language, and context can be misinterpreted.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Impact

Decreased Academic Performance: Cell phone addiction has been linked to distractions during study time, leading to reduced focus and lower academic achievements.

Risky Behaviors: Excessive use of phones has been associated with impulsive behaviors, including sexting, exposure to inappropriate content, and unsafe online interactions.

4. Emotional Regulation Challenges

Dopamine Dependency: Social media platforms and games are designed to trigger dopamine release, making them addictive. Over time, this can lead to dependency, making it harder for teens to experience joy from offline activities.

Difficulty Managing Emotions: Teenagers may turn to their phones as a coping mechanism for stress or sadness, which prevents them from developing healthier emotional regulation skills.

5. Social Media-Specific Effects

Cyberbullying: The anonymity of online interactions can increase the prevalence of bullying, which can significantly harm teenagers' mental health.

Self-Worth Issues: Teenagers often base their self-esteem on the number of likes, comments, or followers, leading to feelings of inadequacy if they don’t meet perceived standards.

Key Research Highlights – Don’t miss this parents…

A study in the journal Clinical Psychological Science found that teenagers who spent more than three hours daily on devices were at a higher risk of mental health issues.

Research published in Sleep Medicine Reviews showed that blue light from phones affects the production of melatonin, disrupting the sleep-wake cycle.

A 2019 study in BMC Psychiatry found a significant association between smartphone addiction and poor emotional regulation in adolescents.

The problem is simple – cell phones control us, or as the picture portrays, cell phones hold us captive.

2. The Danger: Cell Phone Idolatry – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Dwight Longenecker wrote an article entitled: Does the “I” in iPhone Stand for “Idol”? He proceeds to write, “They seduce us by offering our heart’s desire, do they not? These screens offer us all the knowledge in the world. They tempt us with pornography or endless bargains in the online, always open, global shopping mall. They entertain us with endless worlds of unreality, drawing us away from apprehending the present moment. They take us away from the people who long for our attention to give homage to other more attractive distractions on the screen. They demand our time, and what is time but the measure of our life itself?

Corkscrews and staplers don’t do that. But idols do. The mischievous demigod within the idol offered endless entertainment, pleasure, power, and prosperity. He offered the deadly fruit of our desire, and like our first parents, we took the fruit and ate. (The Imaginative Conservative).

Idolatry happens when anything, including a cell phone, takes the place of God in our hearts and minds. When we prioritize our devices over God, family, or purpose, they become idols.

IS MY PHONE AN IDOL?

Answer the following ten questions:

Do I prioritize my phone over time with God?  Do I reach for my phone first thing in the morning or before I spend time in prayer or reading Scripture?

Does my phone consume most of my free time?  Do I find myself scrolling aimlessly or using my phone instead of engaging in meaningful activities or relationships?

Am I overly anxious when I don’t have my phone?  Do I feel a sense of panic or discomfort when my phone isn’t with me or when I can’t check it?

Does my phone distract me during important moments?  Do I interrupt conversations, prayer, or time with loved ones to check notifications or messages?

Am I constantly seeking validation through my phone?  Do I feel the need to post, share, or check likes and comments for a sense of worth?

Is my phone influencing my thoughts, values, or identity?  Are social media, apps, or online content shaping how I see myself and others more than God’s Word?

Do I use my phone as an escape from real-life challenges?  Am I turning to my phone instead of seeking God or healthy ways to cope with stress and difficulties?

Am I neglecting relationships because of my phone?  Have my relationships with family, friends, or God suffered because I’m too focused on my phone?

Do I feel addicted to my phone?  Do I have trouble setting boundaries or limiting my screen time, even when I want to?

Does my phone get more attention than my spiritual growth?  Am I investing more time and energy into my phone than I am into deepening my faith or serving others?

These questions aren’t meant to bring guilt but to prompt honest reflection and help each one of us to realign our priorities. God must have top billing in our lives. Matthew 6:33 says,

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Think about how often we wake up and check our phones before praying or reading Scripture, and even many times before we greet our spouse and children at the beginning of each new day.

Consider how easily we feel anxious or "lost" when separated from our cell phones.

Has your phone become more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ? Has your phone become an idol?

Exodus 20:3 says,

You shall have no other gods before me.

3. The Solution: Overcome Phone Addiction – 1 Corinthians 10:32-33

32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Paul reminds us to live for the benefit of others and the glory of God. By overcoming cell phone addiction, we can better serve those around us and focus on God’s mission for our lives – we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Five Action Points to Overcome Addiction

   1. Establish Boundaries 1 Corinthians 6:12 

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.

Set specific times to check your phone, such as only after morning devotions or during work breaks.

Limit usage to a maximum of 5 minutes per session when not necessary.

Use “Do Not Disturb” mode during meals, family time, and prayer.

Imagine someone watering a plant. If they pour too much water at the wrong time, the plant dies. Similarly, excessive and unstructured phone use drowns out what matters—your relationship with God and others. Set boundaries to nourish what’s truly important.

   2. Fast from Your Phone – Daniel 9:3

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

Dedicate one day a week—or a specific time each day—to disconnect and focus on God, family, or personal growth.

Replace screen time with Scripture reading, prayer, journaling, or meaningful activities.

Think of fasting as detoxing your soul. Just as abstaining from food clears your physical body, a phone fast clears distractions and helps you focus on God. A man once shared that when he fasted from his phone, he rediscovered the joy of hearing from God in silence.

   3. Be Present – Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Establish "screen-free zones" in your home, such as the living room, dining room, or bedroom.

Practice making eye contact and engaging in meaningful conversations without distractions.

Just a week ago a young child said to me, “My parents are always on their phones, searching for the next thing to buy.”

Imagine the regret of parents looking back and realizing they missed precious moments with their children because they were distracted. Don't let your phone rob you of the fleeting, irreplaceable time with your loved ones.

   4. Use Technology for Good – Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Redeem your phone by downloading Bible apps, devotionals, or worship playlists to glorify God.

Use social media or texting to share the gospel, encourage others, or check in with someone who needs prayer.

Like a knife, technology can harm or heal depending on how it’s used. A man once shared how he struggled with his phone addiction but started using it to listen to audio Bibles. “Now my phone reminds me of God’s Word instead of distracting me from it,” he said.

   5. Accountability – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Ask a trusted friend, spouse, or family member to hold you accountable for your phone usage.

Use apps that track screen time and help you set limits.

Picture a runner training for a marathon. Without a coach or partner, it’s easy to give up. Similarly, having someone to check in with can strengthen our resolve to overcome phone addiction. One woman shared that having an accountability partner made her more intentional about spending time with her family.

As you take these steps, remember Jesus’ words: “If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.” (Matthew 5:30). While this doesn’t mean literally discarding your phone, it does mean taking drastic steps to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your spiritual health.

Conclusion: Cell phones are tools that can either enhance our lives or enslave us. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, everything we do—even how we use our phones—should glorify God. Today, let us commit to breaking free from any idolatrous attachment to our devices and redeeming our time for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

Call to Action (Play on words): Take time this week to evaluate your phone habits – Keep a log. Ask yourself:

Is my phone helping or hindering my relationship with God and others? This requires honesty. Better yet, give the people who love you permission to answer that question in your life – accept their answer without giving any feedback.

What steps can I take to ensure my phone serves me rather than controls me?

Technology can be wonderful, but it also can be used wrongfully. Be careful how you use your smartphone.