Surviving the Digital Jungle

Today, we’re stepping into the wild, wild world of technology—the land of endless scrolling, funny cat videos, and autocorrect failures. The digital world is part of our lives now, and honestly, some days it feels like it’s running us instead of the other way around. But don’t worry—we’re not here to beat ourselves up about screen time.

We’re here to laugh a little, breathe a little, and talk about how to live wisely and lightly in a plugged-in world. It's about facing the realities of living in a digital age—and laughing at ourselves while we’re at it.

Ready? Let’s dive in—with Wi-Fi, of course!

Our scripture for today is Romans 12:2 (NLT):"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."

Living Online… Sorta…You know you live in the digital world when you say, "Hold on, let me Google it," five times before lunch. Or when you pick up your phone to check the weather—and suddenly you’re watching a raccoon riding a bicycle.

Technology is amazing and hilarious and sometimes way too distracting. When was the last time you accidentally fell down a social media rabbit hole? Too many times?

Yeah… me too.

The thing is, the digital world gives us so many blessings—instant connections, finding long-lost friends, video calls with Grandma—but it also brings its fair share of blunders. Ever send a text to the wrong person? (Pro tip: always double-check before texting your boss a heart emoji.)

Technology is a gift, but like all gifts, we need a little wisdom to use it well.

I do think we all need to practice putting our phones down and looking up. I mean, how many sunsets have we missed because we were busy picking the right filter?

That camera filter will never fully capture the beauty God creates—or how we see it with our own eyes. But, to be honest, that still doesn’t stop me from taking the picture and sharing it.

Let’s give ourselves permission to unplug every now and then. You’d be amazed what a walk, a conversation, or just 10 minutes without a screen can do for your soul.

The internet can be a wild place, but guess what?

We can bring a little light into it. A kind comment, a thoughtful post, or even just choosing not to join the argument of the day—those little things shine big online. Every thought doesn’t need to be public. But sharing some encouragement or good news? That can brighten someone’s day.

So if you post something, let it be a bright spot on somebody’s feed today!

How about staying grounded in a world that keeps scrolling?

Scrolling can be fun—or it can leave you feeling like you need to run away and live in a cabin. One way to stay sane is to be mindful. If it lifts you up, great. If it tears you down, unfollow, mute, or walk away. You control what you feed your mind—just like you control what you eat.

In this digital world, I once heard it said, "What you see on your feed is what you’ve allowed into your world." Now, of course, there’s an algorithm and random things pop up, but what are you intentionally following?

Anyone else get irrationally angry at slow internet?

Like, it’s loading at the speed of 1975 and suddenly you’re questioning everything. It’s funny how the digital world can make us forget real-world patience. As soon as there’s an issue, everyone jumps into action trying to fix it ASAP. Everything we do is connected to the internet—and one hiccup really throws us off.

Maybe God uses Wi-Fi delays to teach us something? Or maybe… it’s just slow. Either way, deep breaths, friends. The world still moves—with or without the internet.

We love a good photo filter, but real life doesn’t have one—and that’s a good thing! God loves the real, unfiltered you. So post the highlight reel if you want—but remember, the bloopers are where real life and real joy live.

Before you post, comment, or even share that hilarious meme, it’s always good to pause for a second. Is it kind? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? (Is it actually funny, or just funny in your head?)

A quick prayer over your digital footprint can make a world of difference.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is plan a digital detox—even just for a day. No phones, no laptops, no scrolling—just you, real life, and maybe a good old-fashioned board game. Remember those?

Unplugging every now and then helps recharge you better than any battery.

This is a good practice because it shows us what is actually important—and maybe how much time we waste scrolling…. Oh, you know we’re all guilty of wasting time.

Multiple times I’ve come this close to just deleting all social media because I just wonder what the point of it all is.

Challenge yourself to take one day off from all things digital (probably a weekend because of work) and see how it goes.

Technology isn’t bad—it’s all about how we use it. It can bring people to Jesus, share good news, and connect hearts. When we use it with purpose, it becomes a tool for good. Let’s be intentional digital citizens!

Personally, my social media feeds are chock full of scripture, podcasts, and videos—really anything that will keep me looking to Christ. Because my thought is, if I’m going to look at it, I want to learn and grow from it. Sure, there are funny things and friends’ posts too, but for me, all things encouraging really do help as I go about my day.

At the end of the day, technology is just a tool. If your post flops, your email glitches, or your phone autocorrects “I’m praying for you” to “I’m partying for you”—just laugh. The world will keep turning, and so will God’s plan for you.

The digital world changes daily, but God’s peace doesn’t. His Word reminds us not to conform to the craziness around us, but to keep renewing our minds. Whether online or offline, let’s stay anchored in His truth. Scroll the Bible and get fed.

The digital world is fun, fast, and full of opportunities—but your soul needs more than just scrolling. Take time today to breathe, laugh, unplug a little, and connect with the One who never loses connection with you.