We are living fully in the “screen age” where more time is spent on a screen than being present in the moment, more time than in print publications such as books or newspapers. I remember the time when
the internet was nothing more than dial in bulletin boards and AOL. I remember getting ready for bed and then dialing in to download a file, leave it connected all night long just to get a word document downloaded. Years later while Pastoring a small church I made additional income by delivering newspapers to the community. Not much money to be made delivering newspapers today in 2019. Newspapers in print form have been hit hard by the proliferation of screens and digital news outlets. Pew research did a study on the topic and said this: “Newspapers are a critical part of the American news landscape, but they have been hit hard as more and more Americans consume news digitally. The industry’s financial fortunes and subscriber base have been in decline since the early 2000s, even as website audience traffic has grown for many. Meanwhile, alt-weekly papers have also seen their circulation drop.” (Source)
Barna Research had this to say about the use of a print Bible: “With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible remains earth’s most-read book. But the world in which we read and engage with the Bible is rapidly changing. The steady rise of… the explosive growth of digital tools such as Bible apps, daily reading plans, study resources and online communities offer unprecedented access to the Scriptures.” (Source)
As I write this I can open my phone or tablet and open my Facebook news feed and I would estimate 70+ percent of my feed would be filled with Christian and/or inspirational memes. I would guess your feeds are filled with much of the same. I wonder if we have begun to live a life filled with Meme theology and motivational quotes instead of a life filled with the word of God?
What if you are like my wife, a prolific Youversion reader? She has devotionals and Bible studies going with multiple people across the nation. I think what she is doing is awesome as a motivating coach, accountability partner and discipler of women using this great resource. I am thankful too that she reads a physical print Bible and models Bible reading and even book reading off screen to our children as well.
Statistics and evidence also hold that even in 2019 with so many alternative voices, parents still have the greatest impact on faith development of their children. According to The Fuller Youth Institute: parents continue to be the single greatest influence on their children’s faith.(Source)
Ask yourself this honest question, do I see more scripture on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram than I do from opening my physical bible each day? Have I ever shared with my kids, either by posting on their social media or simply by showing them my device, some inspirational or christian meme? When is the last time I opened my Bible with them? When is the last time I opened my Bible in front of them and put down my screen. Maybe its time we leave behind the world of meme theology and step into the Word of God.
The influence of a parent with a Bible open in their hands reading, modeled in front of their children will have great impact on the faith future of their children. A parent with Bible open reading to their children… That influence could change the world, or maybe just change the world for your child.
Put down your screen, pick up your Bible, it truly is a “Lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)