We live in a time when a small glowing screen has become the most dominant object in our hands, our homes, and—if we are not careful—our hearts.
The digital world has reshaped how we speak, think, interact, and even worship. But the most important question remains: Is the Church shaping the digital age, or is the digital age shaping the Church?
THE NEW BATTLE FOR ATTENTION
The greatest spiritual warfare of our era may not be fought with swords, demons, or dictators—it is fought with distractions. You don’t need to bow to an idol to drift from God. All you need is an endless scroll.
We now live in a world where: A notification interrupts prayer; A video replaces meditation; A trend overshadows Scripture; A digital influencer shapes more minds than a pastor.
The screens are not evil in themselves. But the distraction they enable can be spiritually deadly.
WHEN THE SCREEN BECOMES A SUBSTITUTE
If we are honest, many Christians now spend more time online than with God, more time reading posts than reading the Word, and more time liking content than loving their neighbour.
The danger is not technology — The danger is losing spiritual discipline in a world that rewards distraction.
THE CHURCH CANNOT IGNORE THE DIGITAL WORLD. The early Church used the Roman roads to spread the Gospel. The Reformers used the printing press. Missionaries used radio waves. Today, the Church must use digital tools—not for entertainment, but for mission.
THE DIGITAL WORLD HAS GIVEN US UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITIES: A sermon can reach millions; A prayer meeting can cross borders; Evangelism can be global in seconds’.
The same screen that tempts you can transmit truth. The same app that wastes hours can wake hearts. The Church can disciple people daily.
The question is: Will we use the digital age for God, or will it use us?
FAITHFULNESS IN A DIGITAL ERA
Real faithfulness today means: Guarding your heart while using technology; Choosing Scripture before social media; Prioritizing devotion before scrolling, being present in worship, not distracted, and using digital platforms to spread light, not noise.
Our phones should be tools—not masters. Our screens should serve the Kingdom—not steal our devotion.
A CALL TO A DIGITAL DISCIPLESHIP
Let every Christian, every youth, every family, every Church leader hear this call:
Be spiritually awake in a world designed to keep you distracted. Use your phone, but do not let your phone use you. Engage the digital world, but do not be consumed by it.Shine your light online, but do not lose your fire offline.
The world of screens is here to stay. The question is: Will we remain faithful?
BY THE VEN DR PRINCEWILL IREOBA
CANON THEOLOGIAN, DIRECTOR OF THEOLOGICAL MATTERS, CHURCH OF NIGERIA
