The Joy of Missing Out | Darren Whitehead

Let's celebrate all that God is doing in Let's celebrate all that God is doing in our NextGen Ministries. our NextGen Ministries. our NextGen Ministries. I do want before we jump into today's I do want before we jump into today's I do want before we jump into today's message, I want to thank all of our message, I want to thank all of our message, I want to thank all of our volunteers that have served at our camps volunteers that have served at our camps volunteers that have served at our camps throughout the course of this summer. throughout the course of this summer. throughout the course of this summer. Can we just one more time say thank you Can we just one more time say thank you Can we just one more time say thank you for their investment and our kids and for their investment and our kids and for their investment and our kids and our students. God is doing so many our students. God is doing so many our students. God is doing so many amazing things in NextGen from people amazing things in NextGen from people amazing things in NextGen from people making decisions to follow Jesus like making decisions to follow Jesus like making decisions to follow Jesus like you've heard and committing to serve in you've heard and committing to serve in you've heard and committing to serve in ministry. So many amazing things God is ministry. So many amazing things God is ministry. So many amazing things God is doing. I do want to say welcome to all doing. I do want to say welcome to all doing. I do want to say welcome to all of our campuses and those of you who are of our campuses and those of you who are of our campuses and those of you who are joining us online, our international joining us online, our international joining us online, our international campuses. We are in the third week of a campuses. We are in the third week of a campuses. We are in the third week of a series we're calling offtheshelf. And series we're calling offtheshelf. And series we're calling offtheshelf. And what we're doing with this series is what we're doing with this series is what we're doing with this series is we're taking authors who are also we're taking authors who are also we're taking authors who are also preachers and we're letting them bring a preachers and we're letting them bring a preachers and we're letting them bring a message that comes straight out of a message that comes straight out of a message that comes straight out of a book that they've written. So the book that they've written. So the book that they've written. So the message that you're going to hear today message that you're going to hear today message that you're going to hear today is a message that I first heard about 18 is a message that I first heard about 18 is a message that I first heard about 18 months ago. Actually, I heard it one months ago. Actually, I heard it one months ago. Actually, I heard it one day. I was working out and I'm like day. I was working out and I'm like day. I was working out and I'm like right in the middle of the workout and right in the middle of the workout and right in the middle of the workout and the message stopped me dead in my tracks the message stopped me dead in my tracks the message stopped me dead in my tracks because what he's going to talk about because what he's going to talk about because what he's going to talk about Darren Whitehead as he comes in just a Darren Whitehead as he comes in just a Darren Whitehead as he comes in just a moment it's going to talk about his new moment it's going to talk about his new moment it's going to talk about his new book called the digital fast and it's a book called the digital fast and it's a book called the digital fast and it's a challenge a challenge to the reality of challenge a challenge to the reality of challenge a challenge to the reality of how much of our lives we spend on our how much of our lives we spend on our how much of our lives we spend on our phone and what that does in our phone and what that does in our phone and what that does in our relationship with God and our most relationship with God and our most relationship with God and our most important relationships and I believe important relationships and I believe important relationships and I believe today God's going to speak. He's going today God's going to speak. He's going today God's going to speak. He's going to challenge us. I want to encourage you to challenge us. I want to encourage you to challenge us. I want to encourage you to open your heart to what God might do to open your heart to what God might do to open your heart to what God might do in you today. Now, let me say a couple in you today. Now, let me say a couple in you today. Now, let me say a couple things about Darren. Darren is a things about Darren. Darren is a things about Darren. Darren is a husband. He is a father. He's been husband. He is a father. He's been husband. He is a father. He's been married to his wife Brandy for 23 years.

married to his wife Brandy for 23 years. married to his wife Brandy for 23 years. He has three daughters, uh, Violet, He has three daughters, uh, Violet, He has three daughters, uh, Violet, Scarlet, and Sydney. And, uh, he planted Scarlet, and Sydney. And, uh, he planted Scarlet, and Sydney. And, uh, he planted a church in Franklin, Tennessee in 2013. a church in Franklin, Tennessee in 2013. a church in Franklin, Tennessee in 2013. Now, many of you who are in Southern Now, many of you who are in Southern Now, many of you who are in Southern California know somebody that moved to California know somebody that moved to California know somebody that moved to Franklin, Tennessee. In fact, like half Franklin, Tennessee. In fact, like half Franklin, Tennessee. In fact, like half of California moved to Franklin, of California moved to Franklin, of California moved to Franklin, Tennessee. A lot of our church goes to Tennessee. A lot of our church goes to Tennessee. A lot of our church goes to Darren's church and he's a great Darren's church and he's a great Darren's church and he's a great preacher, great leader. God's given him preacher, great leader. God's given him preacher, great leader. God's given him an incredible message to bring to us an incredible message to bring to us an incredible message to bring to us today. Can we put our hands together and today. Can we put our hands together and today. Can we put our hands together and welcome Pastor Darren Whitehead as he welcome Pastor Darren Whitehead as he welcome Pastor Darren Whitehead as he comes to stage. Well, good day Saddleback family. I am Well, good day Saddleback family. I am absolutely delighted to be with you. absolutely delighted to be with you. absolutely delighted to be with you. Some of you realizing right now that I Some of you realizing right now that I Some of you realizing right now that I am not originally from Tennessee. Uh I am not originally from Tennessee. Uh I am not originally from Tennessee. Uh I am from Mississippi and um now I am am from Mississippi and um now I am am from Mississippi and um now I am originally from Australia and uh you originally from Australia and uh you originally from Australia and uh you guys know a little about Australia. Um guys know a little about Australia. Um guys know a little about Australia. Um you're very familiar with Outback Fake you're very familiar with Outback Fake you're very familiar with Outback Fake House. Uh you've been educated uh by House. Uh you've been educated uh by House. Uh you've been educated uh by them. Um, actually the first time I ever them. Um, actually the first time I ever them. Um, actually the first time I ever visited America was in 1998 visited America was in 1998 visited America was in 1998 and the first church that I visited and the first church that I visited and the first church that I visited because I'd heard all about it in because I'd heard all about it in because I'd heard all about it in Australia was Saddleback 27 years ago. I Australia was Saddleback 27 years ago. I Australia was Saddleback 27 years ago. I was in this very room was in this very room was in this very room and uh and uh and uh it's it's so good to be back with you.

it's it's so good to be back with you. it's it's so good to be back with you. Uh true story, I'm an accidental pastor. Uh true story, I'm an accidental pastor. Uh true story, I'm an accidental pastor. Uh this was not my intention. I worked Uh this was not my intention. I worked Uh this was not my intention. I worked in Christian radio in Australia and I in Christian radio in Australia and I in Christian radio in Australia and I moved to the US in the middle of 98 or moved to the US in the middle of 98 or moved to the US in the middle of 98 or my kids call it the 1900s. And um my kids call it the 1900s. And um my kids call it the 1900s. And um and I I I was applying to come and work and I I I was applying to come and work and I I I was applying to come and work in radio in America and I was in in radio in America and I was in in radio in America and I was in Melbourne and I was at the American Melbourne and I was at the American Melbourne and I was at the American embassy trying to get a visa to come to embassy trying to get a visa to come to embassy trying to get a visa to come to your country and the officer your country and the officer your country and the officer misunderstood my petition, my misunderstood my petition, my misunderstood my petition, my application. They made an administrative application. They made an administrative application. They made an administrative error. They gave me the wrong kind of error. They gave me the wrong kind of error. They gave me the wrong kind of visa. No kidding. Uh, they gave me a visa. No kidding. Uh, they gave me a visa. No kidding. Uh, they gave me a pastor's visa. I had never been a pastor pastor's visa. I had never been a pastor pastor's visa. I had never been a pastor before. I had no plans of ever becoming before. I had no plans of ever becoming before. I had no plans of ever becoming a pastor. And the only way I could come a pastor. And the only way I could come a pastor. And the only way I could come and stay in America is if I became a and stay in America is if I became a and stay in America is if I became a pastor. pastor. pastor. Sometimes people ask me, "How did the Sometimes people ask me, "How did the Sometimes people ask me, "How did the Lord call you into the ministry?" Lord call you into the ministry?" Lord call you into the ministry?" I say, "The US government called me into I say, "The US government called me into I say, "The US government called me into this." this." this." So, um, I married an American girl. I So, um, I married an American girl. I So, um, I married an American girl. I married a girl uh from Nashville and uh married a girl uh from Nashville and uh married a girl uh from Nashville and uh we have three daughters, teenage girls, we have three daughters, teenage girls, we have three daughters, teenage girls, three half American, half Australian three half American, half Australian three half American, half Australian little girls. Uh with a mom from little girls. Uh with a mom from little girls. Uh with a mom from Tennessee and a dad from Australia, it Tennessee and a dad from Australia, it Tennessee and a dad from Australia, it makes for a confused child. Um my kids makes for a confused child. Um my kids makes for a confused child. Um my kids say goodday y'all.

say goodday y'all. say goodday y'all. So pray for them. Um So pray for them. Um So pray for them. Um I I love my daughters and uh I I I try I I love my daughters and uh I I I try I I love my daughters and uh I I I try to from time to time go on these to from time to time go on these to from time to time go on these one-on-one dates with my girls. was I one-on-one dates with my girls. was I one-on-one dates with my girls. was I know a lot of dads do that and uh know a lot of dads do that and uh know a lot of dads do that and uh several years ago I decided that I was several years ago I decided that I was several years ago I decided that I was going to do three dates all in one week. going to do three dates all in one week. going to do three dates all in one week. They got to choose where we were going They got to choose where we were going They got to choose where we were going to go and I wanted to have a little bit to go and I wanted to have a little bit to go and I wanted to have a little bit of a parental report card. I wanted to of a parental report card. I wanted to of a parental report card. I wanted to hear how I was doing and I was feeling hear how I was doing and I was feeling hear how I was doing and I was feeling quietly confident about my dad game quietly confident about my dad game quietly confident about my dad game honestly. So I thought I would ask two honestly. So I thought I would ask two honestly. So I thought I would ask two questions. The first is what's dad doing questions. The first is what's dad doing questions. The first is what's dad doing right that he needs to do more of? And right that he needs to do more of? And right that he needs to do more of? And what's dad doing wrong that he needs to what's dad doing wrong that he needs to what's dad doing wrong that he needs to do less of? Arch. These are my girls. do less of? Arch. These are my girls. do less of? Arch. These are my girls. the same two questions each night. Uh the same two questions each night. Uh the same two questions each night. Uh what that is doing right, they said a what that is doing right, they said a what that is doing right, they said a bunch of different things. Uh we like it bunch of different things. Uh we like it bunch of different things. Uh we like it when you drive us to school in the when you drive us to school in the when you drive us to school in the morning. We like it when you make us morning. We like it when you make us morning. We like it when you make us laugh. Uh we like it when you fall and laugh. Uh we like it when you fall and laugh. Uh we like it when you fall and hurt yourself, do that more. Um hurt yourself, do that more. Um hurt yourself, do that more. Um but when it came to what is dad doing but when it came to what is dad doing but when it came to what is dad doing wrong that he needs to do less of, they wrong that he needs to do less of, they wrong that he needs to do less of, they all said the same thing.

all said the same thing. all said the same thing. I wish you weren't always on your phone. Uh those words were like stabbing me in Uh those words were like stabbing me in the heart. And the reason is because the heart. And the reason is because the heart. And the reason is because every parent who has kids that are older every parent who has kids that are older every parent who has kids that are older than mine, they all say the same thing. than mine, they all say the same thing. than mine, they all say the same thing. These years are so precious and they're These years are so precious and they're These years are so precious and they're so fleeting. It's like you blink and so fleeting. It's like you blink and so fleeting. It's like you blink and it's over. And the thought the thought it's over. And the thought the thought it's over. And the thought the thought that I would be exchanging some of the that I would be exchanging some of the that I would be exchanging some of the most infinitely valuable moments with my most infinitely valuable moments with my most infinitely valuable moments with my children for the infinitely trivial children for the infinitely trivial children for the infinitely trivial content on a glowing rectangle content on a glowing rectangle content on a glowing rectangle made me feel a sense of shame and made made me feel a sense of shame and made made me feel a sense of shame and made me feel I need to do something about me feel I need to do something about me feel I need to do something about this. So with that in mind would you this. So with that in mind would you this. So with that in mind would you please stand at all of the campuses? please stand at all of the campuses? please stand at all of the campuses? Would you please stand in honor of the Would you please stand in honor of the Would you please stand in honor of the reading of God's word? I want to read a reading of God's word? I want to read a reading of God's word? I want to read a passage that you may be familiar with passage that you may be familiar with passage that you may be familiar with from Romans 12. It starts in verse two. from Romans 12. It starts in verse two. from Romans 12. It starts in verse two. It says this, "Do not be conformed to It says this, "Do not be conformed to It says this, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you renewal of your mind that by testing you renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, may discern what is the will of God, may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and what is good and acceptable and what is good and acceptable and perfect."

perfect." perfect." You may be seated. Thank you. I want to You may be seated. Thank you. I want to You may be seated. Thank you. I want to begin with a statement if I can. Uh my begin with a statement if I can. Uh my begin with a statement if I can. Uh my statement is this. I believe that there statement is this. I believe that there statement is this. I believe that there has never been another piece of has never been another piece of has never been another piece of technology in all of history that is technology in all of history that is technology in all of history that is more effective at conforming people to more effective at conforming people to more effective at conforming people to the world than the smartphone. the world than the smartphone. the world than the smartphone. The smartphone is the fastest adopted The smartphone is the fastest adopted The smartphone is the fastest adopted piece of technology in human history. As piece of technology in human history. As piece of technology in human history. As of this year, 92% of Americans own a of this year, 92% of Americans own a of this year, 92% of Americans own a smartphone. smartphone. smartphone. Average daily screen time with adults is Average daily screen time with adults is Average daily screen time with adults is 5 to six hours a day. Average daily 5 to six hours a day. Average daily 5 to six hours a day. Average daily screen time for teenagers is 7 to 9 screen time for teenagers is 7 to 9 screen time for teenagers is 7 to 9 hours. That is more than a full-time hours. That is more than a full-time hours. That is more than a full-time job. job. job. The iPhone was released in June 29, The iPhone was released in June 29, The iPhone was released in June 29, 2007. 2007. 2007. I went to an Apple store on the day it I went to an Apple store on the day it I went to an Apple store on the day it was released. I didn't camp out the was released. I didn't camp out the was released. I didn't camp out the night before. I'm not that guy. But I night before. I'm not that guy. But I night before. I'm not that guy. But I but I went to the store. I was with my but I went to the store. I was with my but I went to the store. I was with my wife and to my surprise they had one in wife and to my surprise they had one in wife and to my surprise they had one in stock. I thought it was a sign from God.

I looked at my wife and I said, "Please, I looked at my wife and I said, "Please, babe, like I I need this thing." And she babe, like I I need this thing." And she babe, like I I need this thing." And she kind of rolled her eyes and she almost kind of rolled her eyes and she almost kind of rolled her eyes and she almost nodded and I bought that thing and I nodded and I bought that thing and I nodded and I bought that thing and I held it in my hands and it was mine. My held it in my hands and it was mine. My held it in my hands and it was mine. My precious And we've been almost inseparable ever And we've been almost inseparable ever since. since. since. 18 years later, these smartphones have 18 years later, these smartphones have 18 years later, these smartphones have evolved and developed a lot. Smartphones evolved and developed a lot. Smartphones evolved and developed a lot. Smartphones have disrupted the music industry, have disrupted the music industry, have disrupted the music industry, photography, education, GPS navigation, photography, education, GPS navigation, photography, education, GPS navigation, how we consume news, how we consume or how we consume news, how we consume or how we consume news, how we consume or or uh the weather, how we watch videos, or uh the weather, how we watch videos, or uh the weather, how we watch videos, how we access the web or or read email, how we access the web or or read email, how we access the web or or read email, how we consume social media or meet how we consume social media or meet how we consume social media or meet potential soulmates, or how we board potential soulmates, or how we board potential soulmates, or how we board airplanes or book rides to the airport airplanes or book rides to the airport airplanes or book rides to the airport or order food or unlock the cars that we or order food or unlock the cars that we or order food or unlock the cars that we drive. drive. drive. In fact, now we all have a flashlight In fact, now we all have a flashlight In fact, now we all have a flashlight and a calculator and a video camera on and a calculator and a video camera on and a calculator and a video camera on us at all times. Amazing, right?

us at all times. Amazing, right? us at all times. Amazing, right? But have you ever had the thought, we But have you ever had the thought, we But have you ever had the thought, we use our phones to control our lives, but use our phones to control our lives, but use our phones to control our lives, but what if they are controlling us? what if they are controlling us? what if they are controlling us? How's it going for you? How's it going for you? How's it going for you? Is your smartphone the last thing that Is your smartphone the last thing that Is your smartphone the last thing that you look at before you roll over and go you look at before you roll over and go you look at before you roll over and go to sleep? Is it the first thing you to sleep? Is it the first thing you to sleep? Is it the first thing you reach for when you wake up? reach for when you wake up? reach for when you wake up? Do you feel busier than ever, but Do you feel busier than ever, but Do you feel busier than ever, but somehow less productive? somehow less productive? somehow less productive? Do you end each day feeling mentally Do you end each day feeling mentally Do you end each day feeling mentally exhausted? exhausted? exhausted? Do you have trouble focusing on just one Do you have trouble focusing on just one Do you have trouble focusing on just one task at a time? Do you feel like your task at a time? Do you feel like your task at a time? Do you feel like your attention span is weaker than it used to attention span is weaker than it used to attention span is weaker than it used to be? Research has found that if something be? Research has found that if something be? Research has found that if something drastic doesn't change, this next drastic doesn't change, this next drastic doesn't change, this next generation will be the first to die with generation will be the first to die with generation will be the first to die with more of other people's memories than more of other people's memories than more of other people's memories than their own. their own. their own. It seems we have a problem. It seems we have a problem. It seems we have a problem. But there's got to be more options than But there's got to be more options than But there's got to be more options than just addiction or Amish, right?

just addiction or Amish, right? just addiction or Amish, right? There's got to be more. There's got to be more. There's got to be more. So, let me begin by sharing my unashamed So, let me begin by sharing my unashamed So, let me begin by sharing my unashamed objective today. I am going to try to objective today. I am going to try to objective today. I am going to try to inspire or persuade you to do a 28day inspire or persuade you to do a 28day inspire or persuade you to do a 28day digital fast. There's my agenda. And digital fast. There's my agenda. And digital fast. There's my agenda. And what if I told you that a 100% of people what if I told you that a 100% of people what if I told you that a 100% of people who participate in a digital fast are who participate in a digital fast are who participate in a digital fast are glad they did? No one regrets missing glad they did? No one regrets missing glad they did? No one regrets missing out on doomcrolling cat videos. out on doomcrolling cat videos. out on doomcrolling cat videos. Now listen, you don't have to join into Now listen, you don't have to join into Now listen, you don't have to join into this. It's entirely up to you. But I this. It's entirely up to you. But I this. It's entirely up to you. But I want to invite you to observe what want to invite you to observe what want to invite you to observe what happens in you over 28 days. what will happens in you over 28 days. what will happens in you over 28 days. what will happen to your perspective, to your happen to your perspective, to your happen to your perspective, to your friendships, to your spiritual life. So, friendships, to your spiritual life. So, friendships, to your spiritual life. So, to begin with, can I just say what this to begin with, can I just say what this to begin with, can I just say what this is not? We are not anti-technology. is not? We are not anti-technology. is not? We are not anti-technology. We're not suggesting you throw away your We're not suggesting you throw away your We're not suggesting you throw away your smartphone. We're not suggesting you do smartphone. We're not suggesting you do smartphone. We're not suggesting you do a digital fast for the rest of your a digital fast for the rest of your a digital fast for the rest of your life. And we're not suggesting you life. And we're not suggesting you life. And we're not suggesting you abandon your responsibilities for 28 abandon your responsibilities for 28 abandon your responsibilities for 28 days.

days. days. We are suggesting that you take 28 days We are suggesting that you take 28 days We are suggesting that you take 28 days to self-observe to self-observe to self-observe what happens in you or in your what happens in you or in your what happens in you or in your relationships or your attention span. relationships or your attention span. relationships or your attention span. What happens when you intentionally What happens when you intentionally What happens when you intentionally reduce the noise, the distractions, the reduce the noise, the distractions, the reduce the noise, the distractions, the notifications, the constant buzzing in notifications, the constant buzzing in notifications, the constant buzzing in your pocket? your pocket? your pocket? What will it feel like for you? What will it feel like for you? What will it feel like for you? So today I want to give you five reasons So today I want to give you five reasons So today I want to give you five reasons why you should do a digital fast. And why you should do a digital fast. And why you should do a digital fast. And the first is this. To refresh your mind. the first is this. To refresh your mind. the first is this. To refresh your mind. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I've come to steal, kill, and destroy. I've come to steal, kill, and destroy. I've come that they may have life and have it to that they may have life and have it to that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10's a well-known the full." John 10:10's a well-known the full." John 10:10's a well-known verse, isn't it? It distinctly verse, isn't it? It distinctly verse, isn't it? It distinctly identifies the playbook of the enemy identifies the playbook of the enemy identifies the playbook of the enemy with three words, steal, kill, and with three words, steal, kill, and with three words, steal, kill, and destroy. destroy. destroy. And it turns out that this technology is And it turns out that this technology is And it turns out that this technology is stealing our time and our tension. It is stealing our time and our tension. It is stealing our time and our tension. It is destroying our intimacy and our peace.

destroying our intimacy and our peace. destroying our intimacy and our peace. And it is killing relationships or in And it is killing relationships or in And it is killing relationships or in some cases even our children. some cases even our children. some cases even our children. Jonathan height who is the global Jonathan height who is the global Jonathan height who is the global thought leader on this subject matter thought leader on this subject matter thought leader on this subject matter says this. There is now a great deal of says this. There is now a great deal of says this. There is now a great deal of evidence that social media is a evidence that social media is a evidence that social media is a substantial cause not just a tiny substantial cause not just a tiny substantial cause not just a tiny correlate of depression and anxiety and correlate of depression and anxiety and correlate of depression and anxiety and therefore behaviors relating related to therefore behaviors relating related to therefore behaviors relating related to depression and anxiety including self depression and anxiety including self depression and anxiety including self harm and suicide. harm and suicide. harm and suicide. Now, parenthetically, this is going to Now, parenthetically, this is going to Now, parenthetically, this is going to feel heavy, so just stay with me for a feel heavy, so just stay with me for a feel heavy, so just stay with me for a second. second. second. Recently, social media executives Recently, social media executives Recently, social media executives testified before the Senate Judiciary testified before the Senate Judiciary testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a hearing about child Committee in a hearing about child Committee in a hearing about child exploitation and safety on their exploitation and safety on their exploitation and safety on their platforms. platforms. platforms. It was a report that found that there It was a report that found that there It was a report that found that there has now been an explosion in a new kind has now been an explosion in a new kind has now been an explosion in a new kind of crime, a new category of crime of crime, a new category of crime of crime, a new category of crime against children. And it's called against children. And it's called against children. And it's called financial sexion. Have you seen this?

financial sexion. Have you seen this? financial sexion. Have you seen this? This is where a predator uses a fake This is where a predator uses a fake This is where a predator uses a fake social media account to trick a minor social media account to trick a minor social media account to trick a minor into sending explicit photos and then into sending explicit photos and then into sending explicit photos and then threatens to release it to their friends threatens to release it to their friends threatens to release it to their friends and people that they know unless the and people that they know unless the and people that they know unless the victims send money. victims send money. victims send money. In 2024 in the US, there were 36,000 In 2024 in the US, there were 36,000 In 2024 in the US, there were 36,000 reports of attempted financial reports of attempted financial reports of attempted financial extortion. extortion. extortion. And this is happening all over the And this is happening all over the And this is happening all over the world. world. world. I'm going to show you a photograph right I'm going to show you a photograph right I'm going to show you a photograph right now. This is a picture of parents now. This is a picture of parents now. This is a picture of parents who are holding up pictures of their who are holding up pictures of their who are holding up pictures of their children children children who, as a result of these predators, who, as a result of these predators, who, as a result of these predators, ended up taking their own lives. The thief The thief is using digital technology is using digital technology is using digital technology to literally kill. to literally kill. to literally kill. And Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing And Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing And Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of to do with the fruitless deeds of to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

Cal Newport says, "Social media has us Cal Newport says, "Social media has us has created a world where we are has created a world where we are has created a world where we are constantly bombarded with information. constantly bombarded with information. constantly bombarded with information. Yet much of it is shallow, fleeting, and Yet much of it is shallow, fleeting, and Yet much of it is shallow, fleeting, and designed to distract rather than inform. designed to distract rather than inform. designed to distract rather than inform. Instead of cultivating deep knowledge, Instead of cultivating deep knowledge, Instead of cultivating deep knowledge, we're training our minds to crave we're training our minds to crave we're training our minds to crave endless novelty, leaving us mentally endless novelty, leaving us mentally endless novelty, leaving us mentally exhausted and spiritually empty." exhausted and spiritually empty." exhausted and spiritually empty." McCrindle Research this year did a McCrindle Research this year did a McCrindle Research this year did a research project studying young adults research project studying young adults research project studying young adults and they asked this question if they and they asked this question if they and they asked this question if they wished they could live in a world where wished they could live in a world where wished they could live in a world where social media never existed and the social media never existed and the social media never existed and the overwhelming maj majority of people said overwhelming maj majority of people said overwhelming maj majority of people said yes. yes. yes. You see the digital fast is an You see the digital fast is an You see the digital fast is an invitation to get off social media for invitation to get off social media for invitation to get off social media for 28 days. 28 days. 28 days. Now, if you choose to do this, I need to Now, if you choose to do this, I need to Now, if you choose to do this, I need to warn you that you might miss your warn you that you might miss your warn you that you might miss your neighbor's wedding anniversary. neighbor's wedding anniversary. neighbor's wedding anniversary. You might You might You might you might miss knowing what your cousin you might miss knowing what your cousin you might miss knowing what your cousin who lives in another state had for who lives in another state had for who lives in another state had for dessert last night. You might miss this.

dessert last night. You might miss this. dessert last night. You might miss this. You might miss a selfie with a caption, You might miss a selfie with a caption, You might miss a selfie with a caption, "Felt cute, might delete later." You're "Felt cute, might delete later." You're "Felt cute, might delete later." You're going to miss stuff like this, folks. I going to miss stuff like this, folks. I going to miss stuff like this, folks. I want to warn you. want to warn you. want to warn you. Now, people don't want to get off social Now, people don't want to get off social Now, people don't want to get off social media. Why? Because of the fear of media. Why? Because of the fear of media. Why? Because of the fear of missing out. But we know it as FOMO. missing out. But we know it as FOMO. missing out. But we know it as FOMO. Yeah. But what if we flip this? Today I Yeah. But what if we flip this? Today I Yeah. But what if we flip this? Today I want to introduce to you a new term. want to introduce to you a new term. want to introduce to you a new term. Today I want to introduce to you the Today I want to introduce to you the Today I want to introduce to you the term jo. It is the joy of missing out. term jo. It is the joy of missing out. term jo. It is the joy of missing out. Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] This is an intentional plan to clear This is an intentional plan to clear This is an intentional plan to clear your head, to get better sleep, to your head, to get better sleep, to your head, to get better sleep, to reboot your nervous system, to reboot your nervous system, to reboot your nervous system, to prioritize your mental health. It's 28 prioritize your mental health. It's 28 prioritize your mental health. It's 28 days of JOMO. The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. Secondly, the digital fast will restore Secondly, the digital fast will restore Secondly, the digital fast will restore your relationships.

your relationships. your relationships. 70% of couples say that smartphone use 70% of couples say that smartphone use 70% of couples say that smartphone use negatively affects their relationship negatively affects their relationship negatively affects their relationship leading to less quality time and leading to less quality time and leading to less quality time and intimacy. intimacy. intimacy. Again, Jonathan Height says the great Again, Jonathan Height says the great Again, Jonathan Height says the great rewiring of childhood in which the rewiring of childhood in which the rewiring of childhood in which the phonebased childhood replaced the phonebased childhood replaced the phonebased childhood replaced the play-based childhood is the major cause play-based childhood is the major cause play-based childhood is the major cause of the international epidemic of of the international epidemic of of the international epidemic of adolescent mental illness. adolescent mental illness. adolescent mental illness. You see, these devices entered our lives You see, these devices entered our lives You see, these devices entered our lives without any kind of reliable research on without any kind of reliable research on without any kind of reliable research on the impact. We didn't have enough time. the impact. We didn't have enough time. the impact. We didn't have enough time. If you have teenagers like I do, we're If you have teenagers like I do, we're If you have teenagers like I do, we're all trying our best. We're trying our all trying our best. We're trying our all trying our best. We're trying our best to be wise to be able to provide best to be wise to be able to provide best to be wise to be able to provide guidance and leadership and protection guidance and leadership and protection guidance and leadership and protection in this whole new digital world. There in this whole new digital world. There in this whole new digital world. There didn't used to be reliable research on didn't used to be reliable research on didn't used to be reliable research on the impact of social media and the impact of social media and the impact of social media and smartphones, but there is now. smartphones, but there is now. smartphones, but there is now. It's only a few years old and we're It's only a few years old and we're It's only a few years old and we're learning in real time. There's been an learning in real time. There's been an learning in real time. There's been an absence of clarity on what to do until absence of clarity on what to do until absence of clarity on what to do until now.

now. now. Now, you see, in the past, when a child Now, you see, in the past, when a child Now, you see, in the past, when a child is old enough to be able to do school is old enough to be able to do school is old enough to be able to do school sleepovers or play school sports, a sleepovers or play school sports, a sleepovers or play school sports, a bunch of well-meaning parents decided bunch of well-meaning parents decided bunch of well-meaning parents decided it'd be great to be able to contact that it'd be great to be able to contact that it'd be great to be able to contact that kid. So, they grab an old iPhone from kid. So, they grab an old iPhone from kid. So, they grab an old iPhone from the junk drawer in the kitchen and they the junk drawer in the kitchen and they the junk drawer in the kitchen and they give it to their kid. And that's what I give it to their kid. And that's what I give it to their kid. And that's what I did. did. did. You know, the average age for a kid in You know, the average age for a kid in You know, the average age for a kid in America to get their first smartphone is America to get their first smartphone is America to get their first smartphone is 11. 11. 11. In fact, most parents give their kid a In fact, most parents give their kid a In fact, most parents give their kid a smartphone because the kids say, "All my smartphone because the kids say, "All my smartphone because the kids say, "All my friends have one and all my friends are friends have one and all my friends are friends have one and all my friends are texting and all my friends are on texting and all my friends are on texting and all my friends are on Snapchat or Instagram or Tik Tok and I'm Snapchat or Instagram or Tik Tok and I'm Snapchat or Instagram or Tik Tok and I'm the only one getting left out." And us the only one getting left out." And us the only one getting left out." And us parents, we don't want our kids getting parents, we don't want our kids getting parents, we don't want our kids getting left out. We don't want our kids being left out. We don't want our kids being left out. We don't want our kids being the ones that are not able to interact the ones that are not able to interact the ones that are not able to interact with other kids. And and so we just with other kids. And and so we just with other kids. And and so we just decide that everyone else has one. And decide that everyone else has one. And decide that everyone else has one. And so we need to get one for our kid as so we need to get one for our kid as so we need to get one for our kid as well. and we allow them to start well. and we allow them to start well. and we allow them to start interacting on these platforms. interacting on these platforms. interacting on these platforms. Jonathan Height recommends parents adopt Jonathan Height recommends parents adopt Jonathan Height recommends parents adopt four norms. I want to share it with you.

four norms. I want to share it with you. four norms. I want to share it with you. This is based on research. This is based on research. This is based on research. Number one is this. No smartphones Number one is this. No smartphones Number one is this. No smartphones before high school. It's age 14. No before high school. It's age 14. No before high school. It's age 14. No smartphones before high school. Now, smartphones before high school. Now, smartphones before high school. Now, what that means, and no one had this what that means, and no one had this what that means, and no one had this critical thinking when my kids were this critical thinking when my kids were this critical thinking when my kids were this age, but what that means is the first age, but what that means is the first age, but what that means is the first phone you give your kid shouldn't be a phone you give your kid shouldn't be a phone you give your kid shouldn't be a smartphone. The first phone should be a smartphone. The first phone should be a smartphone. The first phone should be a flip phone or a dumb phone. A phone that flip phone or a dumb phone. A phone that flip phone or a dumb phone. A phone that just can call and text. A phone that just can call and text. A phone that just can call and text. A phone that doesn't access the very black hole of doesn't access the very black hole of doesn't access the very black hole of evil of the internet. Do you know what evil of the internet. Do you know what evil of the internet. Do you know what I'm saying? The second thing he's suggesting based The second thing he's suggesting based on research is no social media before on research is no social media before on research is no social media before 16. 16. 16. Now, here is some of the most compelling Now, here is some of the most compelling Now, here is some of the most compelling findings of this recent research. findings of this recent research. findings of this recent research. They've found that the age, stage, and They've found that the age, stage, and They've found that the age, stage, and gender that is most harmed by social gender that is most harmed by social gender that is most harmed by social media is pre-teen or young teen girls. media is pre-teen or young teen girls. media is pre-teen or young teen girls. And here's why. It's all about brain And here's why. It's all about brain And here's why. It's all about brain science. So, there are two times in the science. So, there are two times in the science. So, there are two times in the human experience where the brain human experience where the brain human experience where the brain completely rewires itself. The first is completely rewires itself. The first is completely rewires itself. The first is in uterro. When you're in the womb, the in uterro. When you're in the womb, the in uterro. When you're in the womb, the brain is wiring itself. The second time brain is wiring itself. The second time brain is wiring itself. The second time is puberty. During puberty, there is a is puberty. During puberty, there is a is puberty. During puberty, there is a dramatic amount of change that is dramatic amount of change that is dramatic amount of change that is happening within the brain.

happening within the brain. happening within the brain. And when a young girl, it's boys too, And when a young girl, it's boys too, And when a young girl, it's boys too, but particularly it's more harmful to but particularly it's more harmful to but particularly it's more harmful to girls. When a young girl, pre-teen, a girls. When a young girl, pre-teen, a girls. When a young girl, pre-teen, a girl that's going through puberty is girl that's going through puberty is girl that's going through puberty is also also also having a steady diet of consumption of having a steady diet of consumption of having a steady diet of consumption of overly sexualized images. Uh many of overly sexualized images. Uh many of overly sexualized images. Uh many of them aren't even real. They're made out them aren't even real. They're made out them aren't even real. They're made out of they're made from AI and they're of they're made from AI and they're of they're made from AI and they're comparing themselves with what they see. comparing themselves with what they see. comparing themselves with what they see. The research has now found how damaging The research has now found how damaging The research has now found how damaging this is. It is catastrophic for the form this is. It is catastrophic for the form this is. It is catastrophic for the form of these young ladies. Now, maybe you're a parent and you're Now, maybe you're a parent and you're here or any of the campuses and you're here or any of the campuses and you're here or any of the campuses and you're like, I have a pre-teen or I have a like, I have a pre-teen or I have a like, I have a pre-teen or I have a young teen girl or boy and they have a young teen girl or boy and they have a young teen girl or boy and they have a smartphone and they're on social media. smartphone and they're on social media. smartphone and they're on social media. What should I do? Most say this phrase, What should I do? Most say this phrase, What should I do? Most say this phrase, it feels like the ship has sailed. You it feels like the ship has sailed. You it feels like the ship has sailed. You know that phrase? know that phrase? know that phrase? Can I just ask that question using the Can I just ask that question using the Can I just ask that question using the same metaphor? If if you saw that a ship same metaphor? If if you saw that a ship same metaphor? If if you saw that a ship was leaving the dock, but the ship had a was leaving the dock, but the ship had a was leaving the dock, but the ship had a problem with it and you knew it was problem with it and you knew it was problem with it and you knew it was going to sink, would you do something going to sink, would you do something going to sink, would you do something about it?

about it? about it? Would there be a capacity? Would there Would there be a capacity? Would there Would there be a capacity? Would there be an agency to get that ship to turn be an agency to get that ship to turn be an agency to get that ship to turn around because of the gravity of what around because of the gravity of what around because of the gravity of what we're dealing with here? we're dealing with here? we're dealing with here? Maybe a parent would say to their Maybe a parent would say to their Maybe a parent would say to their teenager, teenager, teenager, "Hey, this is a whole new world that is "Hey, this is a whole new world that is "Hey, this is a whole new world that is developing in real time and I have just developing in real time and I have just developing in real time and I have just learned as the research has become clear learned as the research has become clear learned as the research has become clear how dangerous this is. And I'm your how dangerous this is. And I'm your how dangerous this is. And I'm your parent and it is my job to direct and parent and it is my job to direct and parent and it is my job to direct and protect and to guide and to prepare you protect and to guide and to prepare you protect and to guide and to prepare you for life." And now I'm now learning that for life." And now I'm now learning that for life." And now I'm now learning that there is an potential exposure because there is an potential exposure because there is an potential exposure because of this technology. of this technology. of this technology. And I just want to talk to you about And I just want to talk to you about And I just want to talk to you about this because if you were a parent and this because if you were a parent and this because if you were a parent and this was your kid, what would you do? this was your kid, what would you do? this was your kid, what would you do? Maybe you could ask your child that. Maybe you could ask your child that. Maybe you could ask your child that. Now, my piece of advice if you're having Now, my piece of advice if you're having Now, my piece of advice if you're having that conversation is say, "Let's as a that conversation is say, "Let's as a that conversation is say, "Let's as a family do a 28-day digital fast. family do a 28-day digital fast. family do a 28-day digital fast. Teenagers, kids, parents, let's all do Teenagers, kids, parents, let's all do Teenagers, kids, parents, let's all do it together. And at the end of these 21 it together. And at the end of these 21 it together. And at the end of these 21 days, let's have this conversation again days, let's have this conversation again days, let's have this conversation again and see where we can take it from and see where we can take it from and see where we can take it from there." Jonathan Height suggests no there." Jonathan Height suggests no there." Jonathan Height suggests no smartphones before high school, no smartphones before high school, no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16. The third thing social media before 16. The third thing social media before 16. The third thing is phone free schools. Get the is phone free schools. Get the is phone free schools. Get the smartphones out of the schools.

smartphones out of the schools. smartphones out of the schools. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] There's a couple of schools in my area There's a couple of schools in my area There's a couple of schools in my area uh public schools and private schools uh public schools and private schools uh public schools and private schools that have adopted this policy in this that have adopted this policy in this that have adopted this policy in this last academic year. last academic year. last academic year. uh the schools that my children uh go to uh the schools that my children uh go to uh the schools that my children uh go to are these schools. And I was talking to are these schools. And I was talking to are these schools. And I was talking to my daughter about it and I said, "You my daughter about it and I said, "You my daughter about it and I said, "You know what was it like the first week know what was it like the first week know what was it like the first week where there was no phones in schools where there was no phones in schools where there was no phones in schools anymore?" And she said, "It's funny, anymore?" And she said, "It's funny, anymore?" And she said, "It's funny, Dad. The boys started playing football Dad. The boys started playing football Dad. The boys started playing football during lunch again." during lunch again." during lunch again." Can you believe it? Can you believe it? Can you believe it? Uh I believe that in the next 5 years Uh I believe that in the next 5 years Uh I believe that in the next 5 years phones will be completely gone from phones will be completely gone from phones will be completely gone from every school in America and I think in every school in America and I think in every school in America and I think in every western country maybe everywhere every western country maybe everywhere every western country maybe everywhere around the world because there's not one around the world because there's not one around the world because there's not one or two or five reasons. There's about 20 or two or five reasons. There's about 20 or two or five reasons. There's about 20 diabolical reasons why we need these diabolical reasons why we need these diabolical reasons why we need these things out of the education out of the things out of the education out of the things out of the education out of the classroom space. The fourth thing is far classroom space. The fourth thing is far classroom space. The fourth thing is far more free play and independence. He's more free play and independence. He's more free play and independence. He's suggesting that we get kids off the suggesting that we get kids off the suggesting that we get kids off the couch, get them off screens, get them couch, get them off screens, get them couch, get them off screens, get them outside, get them playing with one outside, get them playing with one outside, get them playing with one another, get them experiencing conflict, another, get them experiencing conflict, another, get them experiencing conflict, and let them have to learn to resolve and let them have to learn to resolve and let them have to learn to resolve that conflict themselves. Now, because that conflict themselves. Now, because that conflict themselves. Now, because there's been no clear research on the there's been no clear research on the there's been no clear research on the impact of this technology until impact of this technology until impact of this technology until recently, we've all been working this recently, we've all been working this recently, we've all been working this out in real time. And I just want to say out in real time. And I just want to say out in real time. And I just want to say to the parents, there's no judgment.

to the parents, there's no judgment. to the parents, there's no judgment. There's no shame. But I can I just say There's no shame. But I can I just say There's no shame. But I can I just say this? If the parents in the same church this? If the parents in the same church this? If the parents in the same church will agree, our kids will not have will agree, our kids will not have will agree, our kids will not have smartphones before high school and our smartphones before high school and our smartphones before high school and our kids won't have social media before 16. kids won't have social media before 16. kids won't have social media before 16. It is going to be easier for the other It is going to be easier for the other It is going to be easier for the other parents that are coming behind you. You parents that are coming behind you. You parents that are coming behind you. You see, their kids are going to say to see, their kids are going to say to see, their kids are going to say to them, "But everyone has one and them, "But everyone has one and them, "But everyone has one and everyone's on social media and you're everyone's on social media and you're everyone's on social media and you're going to be able to say, that's not going to be able to say, that's not going to be able to say, that's not true. I know the other parents." We get true. I know the other parents." We get true. I know the other parents." We get to work together on this. We don't need to work together on this. We don't need to work together on this. We don't need everyone to do this. We just need a everyone to do this. We just need a everyone to do this. We just need a percentage of people to do this and it percentage of people to do this and it percentage of people to do this and it becomes a legitimate option in the way becomes a legitimate option in the way becomes a legitimate option in the way that we are parenting our kids. Does that we are parenting our kids. Does that we are parenting our kids. Does this make sense? this make sense? this make sense? Turns out the church is the most ideal Turns out the church is the most ideal Turns out the church is the most ideal space space space for parents to strategically be working for parents to strategically be working for parents to strategically be working with one another and say we can push with one another and say we can push with one another and say we can push back the forces of darkness around this back the forces of darkness around this back the forces of darkness around this technology and we can emerge with an technology and we can emerge with an technology and we can emerge with an alternate way alternate way alternate way and God willing we can even provide and God willing we can even provide and God willing we can even provide leadership to the culture at large.

leadership to the culture at large. leadership to the culture at large. Now listen, I know that there are some Now listen, I know that there are some Now listen, I know that there are some teenagers here who are not loving this teenagers here who are not loving this teenagers here who are not loving this talk. Can I can I just ask the teenagers to Can I can I just ask the teenagers to have an open mind to this? have an open mind to this? have an open mind to this? Most teenagers that I've spoken to about Most teenagers that I've spoken to about Most teenagers that I've spoken to about this are like, "Yeah, I don't love this this are like, "Yeah, I don't love this this are like, "Yeah, I don't love this talk, but I need it. talk, but I need it. talk, but I need it. I feel this. I need it." My church in I feel this. I need it." My church in I feel this. I need it." My church in Tennessee has done this three years in a Tennessee has done this three years in a Tennessee has done this three years in a row. It's part of our annual rhythm. And row. It's part of our annual rhythm. And row. It's part of our annual rhythm. And now the teenagers in our church say, now the teenagers in our church say, now the teenagers in our church say, "I'm looking forward to this. I need "I'm looking forward to this. I need "I'm looking forward to this. I need this. I need a reboot. I need to be able this. I need a reboot. I need to be able this. I need a reboot. I need to be able to have a reset in the way that I engage to have a reset in the way that I engage to have a reset in the way that I engage in technology." in technology." in technology." Um, last thing on this, Simon Synynic Um, last thing on this, Simon Synynic Um, last thing on this, Simon Synynic cites research that is fascinating about cites research that is fascinating about cites research that is fascinating about the impact of just even the presence of the impact of just even the presence of the impact of just even the presence of a smartphone. The presence of a a smartphone. The presence of a a smartphone. The presence of a smartphone in a conversation. and you're smartphone in a conversation. and you're smartphone in a conversation. and you're talking to someone and you're like, talking to someone and you're like, talking to someone and you're like, "Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you and "Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you and "Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you and like, you know, let's chat for a little like, you know, let's chat for a little like, you know, let's chat for a little bit." The fact that these smartphones bit." The fact that these smartphones bit." The fact that these smartphones are are present are are present are are present changes the actual dynamics according to changes the actual dynamics according to changes the actual dynamics according to research. In fact, if you have one on research. In fact, if you have one on research. In fact, if you have one on the table, even if you have it upside the table, even if you have it upside the table, even if you have it upside down, the conversation that you have down, the conversation that you have down, the conversation that you have over lunch will not go to the level of over lunch will not go to the level of over lunch will not go to the level of depth, transparency, and vulnerability depth, transparency, and vulnerability depth, transparency, and vulnerability because of the presence of this phone.

because of the presence of this phone. because of the presence of this phone. Next time you're having lunch with Next time you're having lunch with Next time you're having lunch with someone, don't have your phones on the someone, don't have your phones on the someone, don't have your phones on the table. Have them out of sight. [Applause] [Applause] Now, Now, Now, we've all experienced the pressure. we've all experienced the pressure. we've all experienced the pressure. We've all experienced the reality of We've all experienced the reality of We've all experienced the reality of we're having a conversation with someone we're having a conversation with someone we're having a conversation with someone we love. Maybe it's your spouse, maybe we love. Maybe it's your spouse, maybe we love. Maybe it's your spouse, maybe it's your child, maybe it's someone that it's your child, maybe it's someone that it's your child, maybe it's someone that you love, and they're telling you a you love, and they're telling you a you love, and they're telling you a story. And while they're telling you a story. And while they're telling you a story. And while they're telling you a story, you feel a buzz in your pocket. story, you feel a buzz in your pocket. story, you feel a buzz in your pocket. And it's just almost irresistible, And it's just almost irresistible, And it's just almost irresistible, right? You're just kind of like, I right? You're just kind of like, I right? You're just kind of like, I wonder what that is. Wonder if it's an wonder what that is. Wonder if it's an wonder what that is. Wonder if it's an emergency. I wonder if something's on emergency. I wonder if something's on emergency. I wonder if something's on fire. Wonder if someone needs me. You fire. Wonder if someone needs me. You fire. Wonder if someone needs me. You know, and you're listening, but you're a know, and you're listening, but you're a know, and you're listening, but you're a little bit distracted and you think, I'm little bit distracted and you think, I'm little bit distracted and you think, I'm just going to take a short glance at just going to take a short glance at just going to take a short glance at this thing. Hopefully, they won't this thing. Hopefully, they won't this thing. Hopefully, they won't notice. Do you think they notice? Oh, notice. Do you think they notice? Oh, notice. Do you think they notice? Oh, they notice, but you're listening to they notice, but you're listening to they notice, but you're listening to them. And then you break concentration. them. And then you break concentration. them. And then you break concentration. And whether you realize it or not, what And whether you realize it or not, what And whether you realize it or not, what you're saying is, "You're important, but you're saying is, "You're important, but you're saying is, "You're important, but not as important as being interrupted by not as important as being interrupted by not as important as being interrupted by this."

this." this." And then you look down and it turns out And then you look down and it turns out And then you look down and it turns out that the stationary from Amazon is now that the stationary from Amazon is now that the stationary from Amazon is now at your front door. Hey, a best practice is flipping this Hey, a best practice is flipping this thing on its head. Best practice if thing on its head. Best practice if thing on its head. Best practice if someone says, "Can I talk to you for a someone says, "Can I talk to you for a someone says, "Can I talk to you for a second?" You say to them, "Sure, let me second?" You say to them, "Sure, let me second?" You say to them, "Sure, let me put my phone in another room so that put my phone in another room so that put my phone in another room so that nothing breaks or interrupts what's nothing breaks or interrupts what's nothing breaks or interrupts what's happening here." Or, "Let me put it away happening here." Or, "Let me put it away happening here." Or, "Let me put it away from reach. I don't want to be from reach. I don't want to be from reach. I don't want to be interrupted because you mean so much to interrupted because you mean so much to interrupted because you mean so much to me. This is actually taking the thing me. This is actually taking the thing me. This is actually taking the thing that is destroying our relationships and that is destroying our relationships and that is destroying our relationships and flipping it and saying you mean more to flipping it and saying you mean more to flipping it and saying you mean more to me than any interruption that I might me than any interruption that I might me than any interruption that I might get. get. get. The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. It will restore your relationships. The It will restore your relationships. The It will restore your relationships. The third thing is it will help you reclaim third thing is it will help you reclaim third thing is it will help you reclaim your focus. How many times has someone your focus. How many times has someone your focus. How many times has someone sent you a text message and then you sent you a text message and then you sent you a text message and then you respond and then you look at the weather respond and then you look at the weather respond and then you look at the weather and then without even thinking, without and then without even thinking, without and then without even thinking, without even making the decision, you mindlessly even making the decision, you mindlessly even making the decision, you mindlessly pop over to Instagram. What's happening pop over to Instagram. What's happening pop over to Instagram. What's happening on the gram and then you see a real of a on the gram and then you see a real of a on the gram and then you see a real of a mountain biker on a hilltop and then you mountain biker on a hilltop and then you mountain biker on a hilltop and then you see a hang glider and then a science see a hang glider and then a science see a hang glider and then a science experiment with a mentos and a coke experiment with a mentos and a coke experiment with a mentos and a coke bottle and then a quote from Dr. Phil, bottle and then a quote from Dr. Phil, bottle and then a quote from Dr. Phil, then a guitar solo. Then a magic trick then a guitar solo. Then a magic trick then a guitar solo. Then a magic trick with an egg. Then a scene from Seinfeld.

with an egg. Then a scene from Seinfeld. with an egg. Then a scene from Seinfeld. And then the most amazing pickleboard And then the most amazing pickleboard And then the most amazing pickleboard point you've ever seen. And then a quote point you've ever seen. And then a quote point you've ever seen. And then a quote from Jordan Peterson. And then an from Jordan Peterson. And then an from Jordan Peterson. And then an audition from America's Got Talent. And audition from America's Got Talent. And audition from America's Got Talent. And on and on and on. And then all of a on and on and on. And then all of a on and on and on. And then all of a sudden we look up and 46 minutes has sudden we look up and 46 minutes has sudden we look up and 46 minutes has evaporated. How do you feel? evaporated. How do you feel? evaporated. How do you feel? What am I doing with my life? What am I doing with my life? What am I doing with my life? Can anyone relate to this? Can anyone relate to this? Can anyone relate to this? You ever sat behind someone in a plane You ever sat behind someone in a plane You ever sat behind someone in a plane and you can see through the seats and and you can see through the seats and and you can see through the seats and you can see what they're looking at and you can see what they're looking at and you can see what they're looking at and you're just judging them in your heart. you're just judging them in your heart. you're just judging them in your heart. What is wrong with you? Turns out that there are complex Turns out that there are complex algorithms that are customized to your algorithms that are customized to your algorithms that are customized to your personality, your interests, and your personality, your interests, and your personality, your interests, and your weaknesses. the things that you find weaknesses. the things that you find weaknesses. the things that you find most alluring to you, that is the most alluring to you, that is the most alluring to you, that is the content that uniquely shows up on your content that uniquely shows up on your content that uniquely shows up on your what do we call it? Your feed. what do we call it? Your feed. what do we call it? Your feed. This is what you feed on. And we lose so This is what you feed on. And we lose so This is what you feed on. And we lose so much time to the black hole of this much time to the black hole of this much time to the black hole of this device.

device. device. But it's not just time, it's our But it's not just time, it's our But it's not just time, it's our capacity to pay attention. capacity to pay attention. capacity to pay attention. Very few of us now have the power of Very few of us now have the power of Very few of us now have the power of sustained attention. In fact, our sustained attention. In fact, our sustained attention. In fact, our attention span is dropping every year. attention span is dropping every year. attention span is dropping every year. Today, for the average American, the Today, for the average American, the Today, for the average American, the attention span is down to just 8 attention span is down to just 8 attention span is down to just 8 seconds. seconds. seconds. For comparison, a goldfish has an For comparison, a goldfish has an For comparison, a goldfish has an attention span of 9 seconds. attention span of 9 seconds. attention span of 9 seconds. We're losing to goldfish. And when you're interrupted or And when you're interrupted or distracted, according to a study of the distracted, according to a study of the distracted, according to a study of the University of California in Irvine, not University of California in Irvine, not University of California in Irvine, not far from here, it takes an average of 23 far from here, it takes an average of 23 far from here, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to minutes and 15 seconds to get back to minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task. the task. the task. Katherine Price wrote a book called How Katherine Price wrote a book called How Katherine Price wrote a book called How to Break Up with Your Phone. And she to Break Up with Your Phone. And she to Break Up with Your Phone. And she says this, "If you wanted to invent a says this, "If you wanted to invent a says this, "If you wanted to invent a device that could rewire our minds, if device that could rewire our minds, if device that could rewire our minds, if you wanted to create a society of people you wanted to create a society of people you wanted to create a society of people who were perpetually distracted, who were perpetually distracted, who were perpetually distracted, isolated, and overt tired, if you wanted isolated, and overt tired, if you wanted isolated, and overt tired, if you wanted to weaken our memories, and damage our to weaken our memories, and damage our to weaken our memories, and damage our capacity for focus and deep thought, if capacity for focus and deep thought, if capacity for focus and deep thought, if you wanted to reduce empathy, encourage you wanted to reduce empathy, encourage you wanted to reduce empathy, encourage self-absorption, and redraw the lines of self-absorption, and redraw the lines of self-absorption, and redraw the lines of social etiquette, you'd likely end up social etiquette, you'd likely end up social etiquette, you'd likely end up with a smartphone.

with a smartphone. with a smartphone. You see, social media apps are designed You see, social media apps are designed You see, social media apps are designed to operate with the same technology, to operate with the same technology, to operate with the same technology, the same psychological strategy as a the same psychological strategy as a the same psychological strategy as a slot machine. slot machine. slot machine. This is called the variable ratio This is called the variable ratio This is called the variable ratio schedule. The pull to refresh for new schedule. The pull to refresh for new schedule. The pull to refresh for new content on on social media is is so content on on social media is is so content on on social media is is so addictive, not because it's predictable, addictive, not because it's predictable, addictive, not because it's predictable, because it's unpredictable. because it's unpredictable. because it's unpredictable. That's why someone pulls the arm on the That's why someone pulls the arm on the That's why someone pulls the arm on the slot machine, right? They're just slot machine, right? They're just slot machine, right? They're just wondering if the very next pull is going wondering if the very next pull is going wondering if the very next pull is going to be the one that changes their lives. to be the one that changes their lives. to be the one that changes their lives. It's the same idea when we're It's the same idea when we're It's the same idea when we're doomcrolling. doomcrolling. doomcrolling. We're wondering what's the next one. It We're wondering what's the next one. It We're wondering what's the next one. It might be the most interesting thing I've might be the most interesting thing I've might be the most interesting thing I've never seen. And the the outcome is our never seen. And the the outcome is our never seen. And the the outcome is our nervous system becomes flooded with the nervous system becomes flooded with the nervous system becomes flooded with the rush of dopamine. rush of dopamine. rush of dopamine. By the way, have you ever watched the By the way, have you ever watched the By the way, have you ever watched the face of someone on a slot machine? You face of someone on a slot machine? You face of someone on a slot machine? You ever seen their faces? It's like this ever seen their faces? It's like this ever seen their faces? It's like this blank trance.

blank trance. blank trance. Turns out that's exactly what people Turns out that's exactly what people Turns out that's exactly what people look like when they're doomcrolling. look like when they're doomcrolling. look like when they're doomcrolling. In the 28 days, you will experience less In the 28 days, you will experience less In the 28 days, you will experience less interruptions, less distractions, less interruptions, less distractions, less interruptions, less distractions, less buzzing in your pocket. One professor buzzing in your pocket. One professor buzzing in your pocket. One professor said, "Neuroscience research shows that said, "Neuroscience research shows that said, "Neuroscience research shows that smartphones are making us stupider, less smartphones are making us stupider, less smartphones are making us stupider, less social, more forgetful, more prone to social, more forgetful, more prone to social, more forgetful, more prone to addiction, sleepless, and depressed, and addiction, sleepless, and depressed, and addiction, sleepless, and depressed, and poor at navigation. So maybe many of you are intrigued and So maybe many of you are intrigued and wondering, okay, okay, what is a digital wondering, okay, okay, what is a digital wondering, okay, okay, what is a digital fast? Well, first of all, we're not fast? Well, first of all, we're not fast? Well, first of all, we're not suggesting that you take a hammer and suggesting that you take a hammer and suggesting that you take a hammer and you smash your phone or even throw away you smash your phone or even throw away you smash your phone or even throw away your phone. We are suggesting that for your phone. We are suggesting that for your phone. We are suggesting that for 28 days you make your smartphone dumb. 28 days you make your smartphone dumb. 28 days you make your smartphone dumb. Now, I want you to think about the apps Now, I want you to think about the apps Now, I want you to think about the apps on your phone through the lens of on your phone through the lens of on your phone through the lens of distraction versus utility. Not all apps distraction versus utility. Not all apps distraction versus utility. Not all apps have the same propensity to be a black have the same propensity to be a black have the same propensity to be a black hole of distraction. We have apps that hole of distraction. We have apps that hole of distraction. We have apps that have a utility function and we have apps have a utility function and we have apps have a utility function and we have apps that have a distraction function, right?

that have a distraction function, right? that have a distraction function, right? You don't grab your calculator and then You don't grab your calculator and then You don't grab your calculator and then work on a on a math problem and then work on a on a math problem and then work on a on a math problem and then play with it for the next 47 minutes, play with it for the next 47 minutes, play with it for the next 47 minutes, right? What I'm suggesting is that you get the What I'm suggesting is that you get the distraction apps off of your phone and distraction apps off of your phone and distraction apps off of your phone and you turn your smartphone into a utility you turn your smartphone into a utility you turn your smartphone into a utility device for 28 days. Now, distraction device for 28 days. Now, distraction device for 28 days. Now, distraction apps are things like social media and apps are things like social media and apps are things like social media and games and news, uh, video apps like games and news, uh, video apps like games and news, uh, video apps like YouTube, shopping apps like Amazon, even YouTube, shopping apps like Amazon, even YouTube, shopping apps like Amazon, even email is a distraction app. email is a distraction app. email is a distraction app. and then keep it keep your utility apps and then keep it keep your utility apps and then keep it keep your utility apps things like phone, text, calendar, GPS, things like phone, text, calendar, GPS, things like phone, text, calendar, GPS, uh calculator, camera. Uh what's going uh calculator, camera. Uh what's going uh calculator, camera. Uh what's going to happen is once you reduce your phone to happen is once you reduce your phone to happen is once you reduce your phone to a utility device, you're going to to a utility device, you're going to to a utility device, you're going to find yourself opening your phone and find yourself opening your phone and find yourself opening your phone and looking at it, realizing there's now looking at it, realizing there's now looking at it, realizing there's now nothing to cool to look at and then nothing to cool to look at and then nothing to cool to look at and then putting it down again. putting it down again. putting it down again. The other thing I do is I put my phone The other thing I do is I put my phone The other thing I do is I put my phone in grayscale. Does do you guys know what in grayscale. Does do you guys know what in grayscale. Does do you guys know what that is? Uh I iPhone has that capacity.

that is? Uh I iPhone has that capacity. that is? Uh I iPhone has that capacity. Android has the capacity as well. It's Android has the capacity as well. It's Android has the capacity as well. It's basically putting your phone in black basically putting your phone in black basically putting your phone in black and white. And and when I do that, and I and white. And and when I do that, and I and white. And and when I do that, and I have that now, when I do that, I have have that now, when I do that, I have have that now, when I do that, I have this conscious thought every time I look this conscious thought every time I look this conscious thought every time I look at my phone. The world is in color. at my phone. The world is in color. at my phone. The world is in color. The world is beautiful. This is not the The world is beautiful. This is not the The world is beautiful. This is not the world. The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. It will restore your relationships, It will restore your relationships, It will restore your relationships, reclaim your focus. It will also renew reclaim your focus. It will also renew reclaim your focus. It will also renew your connection with God. your connection with God. your connection with God. We have designed an analog experience We have designed an analog experience We have designed an analog experience for the digital fast. Uh we have a guide for the digital fast. Uh we have a guide for the digital fast. Uh we have a guide that is a 28-day devotional guide and it that is a 28-day devotional guide and it that is a 28-day devotional guide and it is a call to not just put something down is a call to not just put something down is a call to not just put something down but to pick something up. The guide's but to pick something up. The guide's but to pick something up. The guide's going to help you turn down digital going to help you turn down digital going to help you turn down digital distractions and then turn up spiritual distractions and then turn up spiritual distractions and then turn up spiritual devotion. devotion. devotion. Fasting throughout the scripture has Fasting throughout the scripture has Fasting throughout the scripture has always been about not just abstaining always been about not just abstaining always been about not just abstaining but engaging.

but engaging. but engaging. Now the 28 days are four 7-day Now the 28 days are four 7-day Now the 28 days are four 7-day movements. The first movement is to movements. The first movement is to movements. The first movement is to detach. You get rid of all the detach. You get rid of all the detach. You get rid of all the distraction apps off of your phone and distraction apps off of your phone and distraction apps off of your phone and you might feel a little bit of you might feel a little bit of you might feel a little bit of withdrawal. withdrawal. withdrawal. There is uh now a a diagnosed condition There is uh now a a diagnosed condition There is uh now a a diagnosed condition called social media withdrawal when called social media withdrawal when called social media withdrawal when people get it off their phones. Like any people get it off their phones. Like any people get it off their phones. Like any kind of lowgrade addiction, you kind of lowgrade addiction, you kind of lowgrade addiction, you experience a a sense of withdrawal. experience a a sense of withdrawal. experience a a sense of withdrawal. Uh you do that for the first seven days. Uh you do that for the first seven days. Uh you do that for the first seven days. Once you push through the first seven Once you push through the first seven Once you push through the first seven days, the next seven is to discover. You days, the next seven is to discover. You days, the next seven is to discover. You discover things that you've not noticed discover things that you've not noticed discover things that you've not noticed before in the world around you. The before in the world around you. The before in the world around you. The things that you were missing. Do you things that you were missing. Do you things that you were missing. Do you know that we use our phones to numb know that we use our phones to numb know that we use our phones to numb ourselves? We all do this. When you have ourselves? We all do this. When you have ourselves? We all do this. When you have an unpleasant feeling, when you feel an unpleasant feeling, when you feel an unpleasant feeling, when you feel sad, when you feel ashamed of yourself, sad, when you feel ashamed of yourself, sad, when you feel ashamed of yourself, when you feel embarrassed about when you feel embarrassed about when you feel embarrassed about something, when you feel afraid or something, when you feel afraid or something, when you feel afraid or anxious, these are unpleasant feelings. anxious, these are unpleasant feelings. anxious, these are unpleasant feelings. And what so many of us do without even And what so many of us do without even And what so many of us do without even thinking is we open our phone and we thinking is we open our phone and we thinking is we open our phone and we distract ourselves with something. We distract ourselves with something. We distract ourselves with something. We numb ourselves from that unpleasant numb ourselves from that unpleasant numb ourselves from that unpleasant feeling. Turns out now we have lost the feeling. Turns out now we have lost the feeling. Turns out now we have lost the ability to be bored.

ability to be bored. ability to be bored. And research has found brain research And research has found brain research And research has found brain research has found that when you are bored, it it has found that when you are bored, it it has found that when you are bored, it it it fires a completely different part of it fires a completely different part of it fires a completely different part of the brain. The brain that that uh is is the brain. The brain that that uh is is the brain. The brain that that uh is is uh focused on creativity and problem uh focused on creativity and problem uh focused on creativity and problem solving is fired through boredom. It is solving is fired through boredom. It is solving is fired through boredom. It is the doorway towards creativity. And so the doorway towards creativity. And so the doorway towards creativity. And so many of us have have no ability to to many of us have have no ability to to many of us have have no ability to to deal with boredom anymore. We're always deal with boredom anymore. We're always deal with boredom anymore. We're always entertaining ourselves and distracting entertaining ourselves and distracting entertaining ourselves and distracting ourselves with these little glowing ourselves with these little glowing ourselves with these little glowing rectangles. rectangles. rectangles. The second 7-day period is you will The second 7-day period is you will The second 7-day period is you will discover things about other people that discover things about other people that discover things about other people that you've not been noticing. You'll you've not been noticing. You'll you've not been noticing. You'll discover things about yourself. You'll discover things about yourself. You'll discover things about yourself. You'll even discover the voice of God even discover the voice of God even discover the voice of God where you have been chasing out all of where you have been chasing out all of where you have been chasing out all of the gaps, all of the discretionary time the gaps, all of the discretionary time the gaps, all of the discretionary time in your day when you pull up at the in your day when you pull up at the in your day when you pull up at the lights and you're waiting for 45 seconds lights and you're waiting for 45 seconds lights and you're waiting for 45 seconds instead of saying, "Holy Spirit, what do instead of saying, "Holy Spirit, what do instead of saying, "Holy Spirit, what do you want to say to me?" So many of us you want to say to me?" So many of us you want to say to me?" So many of us are grabbing our phones and scrolling or are grabbing our phones and scrolling or are grabbing our phones and scrolling or being efficient because we're slaves to being efficient because we're slaves to being efficient because we're slaves to email and we're trying to get rid of the email and we're trying to get rid of the email and we're trying to get rid of the emails in the inbox.

emails in the inbox. emails in the inbox. The third week is is just delight. You The third week is is just delight. You The third week is is just delight. You will begin to experience something that will begin to experience something that will begin to experience something that is delightful. Jonathan Hyde explained is delightful. Jonathan Hyde explained is delightful. Jonathan Hyde explained to me why it's delightful when I was to me why it's delightful when I was to me why it's delightful when I was talking to him several months ago and he talking to him several months ago and he talking to him several months ago and he said, "It is all about brain science. said, "It is all about brain science. said, "It is all about brain science. It's all about what dopamine does in our It's all about what dopamine does in our It's all about what dopamine does in our minds." Social media has flooded our minds." Social media has flooded our minds." Social media has flooded our brains with dopamine. We have so much brains with dopamine. We have so much brains with dopamine. We have so much dopamine. Dopamine is designed uh to dopamine. Dopamine is designed uh to dopamine. Dopamine is designed uh to make us feel pleasure, uh make us feel make us feel pleasure, uh make us feel make us feel pleasure, uh make us feel calm, make us feel joy or peace. But calm, make us feel joy or peace. But calm, make us feel joy or peace. But because we have so much of this, our because we have so much of this, our because we have so much of this, our brains are flooded with dopamine and our brains are flooded with dopamine and our brains are flooded with dopamine and our brains aren't doing. Dopamine is not brains aren't doing. Dopamine is not brains aren't doing. Dopamine is not doing in our brains what it used to do. doing in our brains what it used to do. doing in our brains what it used to do. So instead of feeling joy or pleasure or So instead of feeling joy or pleasure or So instead of feeling joy or pleasure or lightness, we instead feel cluttered and lightness, we instead feel cluttered and lightness, we instead feel cluttered and foggy and numb. If that is you, your foggy and numb. If that is you, your foggy and numb. If that is you, your brains are producing too much dopamine brains are producing too much dopamine brains are producing too much dopamine and dopamine's no longer working. But in the miraculous nature of the way But in the miraculous nature of the way God has designed our bodies, our bodies God has designed our bodies, our bodies God has designed our bodies, our bodies will heal themselves in about two weeks.

will heal themselves in about two weeks. will heal themselves in about two weeks. And all of a sudden, when dopamine hits, And all of a sudden, when dopamine hits, And all of a sudden, when dopamine hits, you will feel pleasure again. You will you will feel pleasure again. You will you will feel pleasure again. You will feel joy again. Your brains will feel joy again. Your brains will feel joy again. Your brains will actually respond to the dopamine hit. actually respond to the dopamine hit. actually respond to the dopamine hit. Your brains will reset. Your brains will reset. Your brains will reset. And you'll find yourself in in the third And you'll find yourself in in the third And you'll find yourself in in the third week of this thing, you'll find yourself week of this thing, you'll find yourself week of this thing, you'll find yourself being more present than you've been. being more present than you've been. being more present than you've been. It's like rebooting your entire nervous It's like rebooting your entire nervous It's like rebooting your entire nervous system. You'll be sitting with someone system. You'll be sitting with someone system. You'll be sitting with someone and you'll have this conscious thought, and you'll have this conscious thought, and you'll have this conscious thought, "Man, I love this person. They're so "Man, I love this person. They're so "Man, I love this person. They're so good. I'm so glad I'm with them." good. I'm so glad I'm with them." good. I'm so glad I'm with them." The fourth movement of the digital fast The fourth movement of the digital fast The fourth movement of the digital fast is to determine what do you want your is to determine what do you want your is to determine what do you want your digital rule of life to look like on the digital rule of life to look like on the digital rule of life to look like on the other side of this. What do you want to other side of this. What do you want to other side of this. What do you want to do on an ongoing basis? Anyone know who do on an ongoing basis? Anyone know who do on an ongoing basis? Anyone know who Marie Condo is? Marie Condo is? Marie Condo is? Marie Condo is famous for helping us Marie Condo is famous for helping us Marie Condo is famous for helping us clean out our closets, right? And uh she clean out our closets, right? And uh she clean out our closets, right? And uh she she encourages you to grab an item of she encourages you to grab an item of she encourages you to grab an item of clothing and ask the question, "Does clothing and ask the question, "Does clothing and ask the question, "Does this spark joy?" Yeah. If if the this spark joy?" Yeah. If if the this spark joy?" Yeah. If if the answer's no, you throw it out. If the answer's no, you throw it out. If the answer's no, you throw it out. If the answer is yes, you keep it. So my answer is yes, you keep it. So my answer is yes, you keep it. So my question to you on the other side of question to you on the other side of question to you on the other side of this digital fast is, does putting this digital fast is, does putting this digital fast is, does putting Snapchat back on your smartphone spark Snapchat back on your smartphone spark Snapchat back on your smartphone spark joy?

joy? joy? Does putting X or Twitter, does putting Does putting X or Twitter, does putting Does putting X or Twitter, does putting Instagram back on your phone, does Instagram back on your phone, does Instagram back on your phone, does putting Tik Tok back on your phone spark putting Tik Tok back on your phone spark putting Tik Tok back on your phone spark joy? And if the answer is no, then maybe joy? And if the answer is no, then maybe joy? And if the answer is no, then maybe you don't engage with those platforms in you don't engage with those platforms in you don't engage with those platforms in that way anymore. that way anymore. that way anymore. You see, somehow we've got to find a You see, somehow we've got to find a You see, somehow we've got to find a healthy alternative for engaging with healthy alternative for engaging with healthy alternative for engaging with this technology. this technology. this technology. Social media started out as a network. Social media started out as a network. Social media started out as a network. We called it social networks. Remember We called it social networks. Remember We called it social networks. Remember that? It's all about connecting with that? It's all about connecting with that? It's all about connecting with other people. And somewhere under our other people. And somewhere under our other people. And somewhere under our noses, it morphed to being social noses, it morphed to being social noses, it morphed to being social platforms. We now say platforms. What's platforms. We now say platforms. What's platforms. We now say platforms. What's a platform? A platform is is a place a platform? A platform is is a place a platform? A platform is is a place where a person projects their life for where a person projects their life for where a person projects their life for other people. So many people after they have done this So many people after they have done this have said, "My social media consumption have said, "My social media consumption have said, "My social media consumption is now going to be limited to an iPad. is now going to be limited to an iPad. is now going to be limited to an iPad. I'm going to iPad at my house. I have I'm going to iPad at my house. I have I'm going to iPad at my house. I have all the social media on it and I'm going all the social media on it and I'm going all the social media on it and I'm going to check it out once a day instead of 67 to check it out once a day instead of 67 to check it out once a day instead of 67 times a day. I am going to regulate my times a day. I am going to regulate my times a day. I am going to regulate my consumption. I'm going to put this thing consumption. I'm going to put this thing consumption. I'm going to put this thing back in its place. You will be glad you back in its place. You will be glad you back in its place. You will be glad you did."

did." did." Distraction apps keep us in the Distraction apps keep us in the Distraction apps keep us in the shallows. shallows. shallows. There's so much funny stuff to watch. There's so much funny stuff to watch. There's so much funny stuff to watch. The reals are entertaining. It's visual The reals are entertaining. It's visual The reals are entertaining. It's visual candy. It's junk food. What's the impact candy. It's junk food. What's the impact candy. It's junk food. What's the impact of consuming a bunch of junk food? You of consuming a bunch of junk food? You of consuming a bunch of junk food? You feel sick. You feel bad. You feel feel sick. You feel bad. You feel feel sick. You feel bad. You feel unhealthy. unhealthy. unhealthy. A diet of visual junk food will not A diet of visual junk food will not A diet of visual junk food will not bring you relief. It will bring you bring you relief. It will bring you bring you relief. It will bring you regret. And with almost prophetic regret. And with almost prophetic regret. And with almost prophetic insight, the psalmist wrote in Psalm insight, the psalmist wrote in Psalm insight, the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119, 119, 119, "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things things things and give me life in your ways." The and give me life in your ways." The and give me life in your ways." The invitation of Jesus is a kind of life invitation of Jesus is a kind of life invitation of Jesus is a kind of life that so many of us have exchanged for that so many of us have exchanged for that so many of us have exchanged for staring at worthless things. Felicia Wong, who's a professor here in Felicia Wong, who's a professor here in California, said, "What if my antenna California, said, "What if my antenna California, said, "What if my antenna were always outstretched towards were always outstretched towards were always outstretched towards checking in with God as much as I am checking in with God as much as I am checking in with God as much as I am always checking my smartphone? What if I always checking my smartphone? What if I always checking my smartphone? What if I was filled with great expectancy that was filled with great expectancy that was filled with great expectancy that there would be a word for me and that I there would be a word for me and that I there would be a word for me and that I could trust that that word would not be could trust that that word would not be could trust that that word would not be a word that simply demanded something a word that simply demanded something a word that simply demanded something from me, but a word that came to nourish from me, but a word that came to nourish from me, but a word that came to nourish me?" What if I knew that there was a me?" What if I knew that there was a me?" What if I knew that there was a word that revealed God's very nature word that revealed God's very nature word that revealed God's very nature waiting just for me?

waiting just for me? waiting just for me? The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. The digital fast will refresh your mind. It will restore your relationships. It It will restore your relationships. It It will restore your relationships. It will reclaim your focus. It will renew will reclaim your focus. It will renew will reclaim your focus. It will renew your connection with God. And finally, your connection with God. And finally, your connection with God. And finally, you have the opportunity to rely on you have the opportunity to rely on you have the opportunity to rely on community support. community support. community support. One of the things that was the biggest One of the things that was the biggest One of the things that was the biggest surprise to me when I led my church surprise to me when I led my church surprise to me when I led my church through this is it turns out it is so through this is it turns out it is so through this is it turns out it is so much easier to do together. much easier to do together. much easier to do together. It is so much easier when your friends It is so much easier when your friends It is so much easier when your friends or your small group or your family or or your small group or your family or or your small group or your family or the team that you serve with. It is so the team that you serve with. It is so the team that you serve with. It is so much easier when you are all doing this much easier when you are all doing this much easier when you are all doing this together. Maybe you're wondering if together. Maybe you're wondering if together. Maybe you're wondering if social media is having such a social media is having such a social media is having such a detrimental impact on mental health. Why detrimental impact on mental health. Why detrimental impact on mental health. Why don't people just get rid of it? Ask a don't people just get rid of it? Ask a don't people just get rid of it? Ask a teenager, if if if uh Instagram is teenager, if if if uh Instagram is teenager, if if if uh Instagram is making you depressed, why don't you making you depressed, why don't you making you depressed, why don't you delete it? She'll say to you, I can't. delete it? She'll say to you, I can't. delete it? She'll say to you, I can't. All my friends are on social media. This All my friends are on social media. This All my friends are on social media. This is what social scientists call a is what social scientists call a is what social scientists call a collective action problem. A collective collective action problem. A collective collective action problem. A collective action problem is when everyone agrees action problem is when everyone agrees action problem is when everyone agrees that these devices are having a that these devices are having a that these devices are having a detrimental impact and yet no one wants detrimental impact and yet no one wants detrimental impact and yet no one wants to step back from them for the fear of to step back from them for the fear of to step back from them for the fear of being left out. And technology has being left out. And technology has being left out. And technology has become the doorway to our social lives.

become the doorway to our social lives. become the doorway to our social lives. So it turns out the the way to address So it turns out the the way to address So it turns out the the way to address collective action problems is with collective action problems is with collective action problems is with collective action. And a church is collective action. And a church is collective action. And a church is ideal. Do it with other people. Do it ideal. Do it with other people. Do it ideal. Do it with other people. Do it with your small group or your family or with your small group or your family or with your small group or your family or your Bible study or your CrossFit team. your Bible study or your CrossFit team. your Bible study or your CrossFit team. Do it with the whole church. Take 28 Do it with the whole church. Take 28 Do it with the whole church. Take 28 days and do this together. days and do this together. days and do this together. You know, when I ask people, "Have you You know, when I ask people, "Have you You know, when I ask people, "Have you ever done a digital detox?" They all say ever done a digital detox?" They all say ever done a digital detox?" They all say the same thing. "No, but I need to." the same thing. "No, but I need to." the same thing. "No, but I need to." So, my friends, So, my friends, So, my friends, do the digital fast together. 100% of do the digital fast together. 100% of do the digital fast together. 100% of people who do this are glad they did. people who do this are glad they did. people who do this are glad they did. Romans 12 says, "Do not be conformed to Romans 12 says, "Do not be conformed to Romans 12 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing renewal of your mind, that by testing renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, you may discern what is the will of God, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. what is good and acceptable and perfect. what is good and acceptable and perfect. Turn down conforming to the world and Turn down conforming to the world and Turn down conforming to the world and turn up the renewal of your mind." You turn up the renewal of your mind." You turn up the renewal of your mind." You know what the outcome is? Clarity.

know what the outcome is? Clarity. know what the outcome is? Clarity. You may discern what is the will of God. You may discern what is the will of God. You may discern what is the will of God. Can I ask you if you would all stand at Can I ask you if you would all stand at Can I ask you if you would all stand at all of the campuses? Would would you all all of the campuses? Would would you all all of the campuses? Would would you all stand right now? The digital fast is not 28 days of FOMO. The digital fast is not 28 days of FOMO. It's 28 days of joo, the joy of missing It's 28 days of joo, the joy of missing It's 28 days of joo, the joy of missing out. Let's pray together. God, I pray out. Let's pray together. God, I pray out. Let's pray together. God, I pray for the whole Saddleback family that for the whole Saddleback family that for the whole Saddleback family that they would be courageous, that they they would be courageous, that they they would be courageous, that they would feel a calling, that their that would feel a calling, that their that would feel a calling, that their that conviction would turn into action, conviction would turn into action, conviction would turn into action, that they would be light and and hope to that they would be light and and hope to that they would be light and and hope to their communities. their communities. their communities. So many people struggling with this. I So many people struggling with this. I So many people struggling with this. I pray God that the church at large may pray God that the church at large may pray God that the church at large may provide leadership and a way forward. provide leadership and a way forward. provide leadership and a way forward. God, we want to seek first the kingdom God, we want to seek first the kingdom God, we want to seek first the kingdom of God. We want to push back the forces of God. We want to push back the forces of God. We want to push back the forces of darkness and be led into life and of darkness and be led into life and of darkness and be led into life and life abundant. This is our prayer and we life abundant. This is our prayer and we life abundant. This is our prayer and we pray this in Jesus' name. And everyone pray this in Jesus' name. And everyone pray this in Jesus' name. And everyone said, "Amen." God bless you. Thank you said, "Amen." God bless you. Thank you said, "Amen." God bless you. Thank you so much.

Church, can we respond to that? just Church, can we respond to that? just saying, "Lord, I just want you. saying, "Lord, I just want you. saying, "Lord, I just want you. Everything of my life, I just want you. Everything of my life, I just want you. Everything of my life, I just want you. I need you." And make this our prayer as I need you." And make this our prayer as I need you." And make this our prayer as a church. So, let's sing this together. a church. So, let's sing this together. a church. So, let's sing this together. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else, Nothing else, Nothing else, God. Nothing else. God. Nothing else. God. Nothing else. Nothing else will do. I'm sorry. I'm Nothing else will do. I'm sorry. I'm Nothing else will do. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. When I've just gone through the motions. When I've just gone through the motions. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry when I just sang another song. Take me when I just sang another song. Take me when I just sang another song. Take me back to where we started. back to where we started. back to where we started. I open up my heart to you. Do that right I open up my heart to you. Do that right I open up my heart to you. Do that right now. Just open up your heart to him and now. Just open up your heart to him and now. Just open up your heart to him and sing this. I'm sorry.

sing this. I'm sorry. sing this. I'm sorry. And I'm sorry And I'm sorry And I'm sorry when I've come with my agend. when I've come with my agend. when I've come with my agend. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry when I forgot that you're enough. God, when I forgot that you're enough. God, when I forgot that you're enough. God, take me back to where we start. take me back to where we start. take me back to where we start. I open up my heart to you right now. Oh, I open up my heart to you right now. Oh, I open up my heart to you right now. Oh, we put you first and sing. I'm caught up we put you first and sing. I'm caught up we put you first and sing. I'm caught up in your presence. I just want to sit here at your feet. I just want to sit here at your feet. I'm caught up in this holy I'm caught up in this holy I'm caught up in this holy moment. moment. moment. God, I never want to leave. God, I never want to leave. God, I never want to leave. Oh Jesus, we're here for you. Oh, I'm Oh Jesus, we're here for you. Oh, I'm Oh Jesus, we're here for you. Oh, I'm not here for blessing. not here for blessing. not here for blessing. [Music] [Music] [Music] Oh and more than anything and more than anything that you can do.

that you can do. that you can do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Make that your prayer and then sing. Make that your prayer and then sing. Make that your prayer and then sing. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Got nothing else. Got nothing else. Got nothing else. Oh, nothing else. Oh, nothing else. Oh, nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you sing that. Oh, nothing I just want you sing that. Oh, nothing I just want you sing that. Oh, nothing else. Straight to him tonight. Oh, God. else. Straight to him tonight. Oh, God. else. Straight to him tonight. Oh, God. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else. Oh, Nothing else. Oh, Nothing else. Oh, nothing else, Jesus. nothing else, Jesus. nothing else, Jesus. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else that's pretty. Nothing else that's pretty. Nothing else that's pretty. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else will do.

Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you I just want you I just want you [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] I just want you I just want you nothing else. [Applause] [Applause] Nothing else you Nothing else you Nothing else you just want. [Applause] [Applause] Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else will do. If you know this song, would you sing If you know this song, would you sing it?

I'm coming back to the heart of worship. I'm coming back to the heart of worship. When it's all about you. Sing that. Oh, When it's all about you. Sing that. Oh, When it's all about you. Sing that. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus. it's all about you, Jesus. it's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it. When it's all about you. Come on. it. When it's all about you. Come on. it. When it's all about you. Come on. From the depths of your hearts tonight, From the depths of your hearts tonight, From the depths of your hearts tonight, would we sing that surrender today? I'm would we sing that surrender today? I'm would we sing that surrender today? I'm coming back. Oh, I'm coming back. Oh, coming back. Oh, I'm coming back. Oh, coming back. Oh, I'm coming back. Oh, Jesus, that's our prayer. And it's all Jesus, that's our prayer. And it's all Jesus, that's our prayer. And it's all about you. Oh, it is. It's all about about you. Oh, it is. It's all about about you. Oh, it is. It's all about you, Jesus. you, Jesus. you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I made. I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I made. I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I made. When it's all about you yesterday, When it's all about you yesterday, When it's all about you yesterday, I'm coming back. Oh, I'm coming back to I'm coming back. Oh, I'm coming back to I'm coming back. Oh, I'm coming back to the heart of the heart of the heart of when it's all about you, God. Oh, it's when it's all about you, God. Oh, it's when it's all about you, God. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus.

all about you, Jesus. all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the things that I I'm sorry, Lord, for the things that I I'm sorry, Lord, for the things that I made. made. made. When it's all about you. Declare that When it's all about you. Declare that When it's all about you. Declare that it's all about Oh, it's all It is all it's all about Oh, it's all It is all it's all about Oh, it's all It is all about you. about you. about you. Oh, it's all about every voice. One Oh, it's all about every voice. One Oh, it's all about every voice. One more. Oh, it's all about you. more. Oh, it's all about you. more. Oh, it's all about you. It's all about you, Jesus. [Music] [Music] Thank you, Lord. >> Well, thank you for joining us for >> Well, thank you for joining us for church today. What an awesome and a church today. What an awesome and a church today. What an awesome and a convicting message from Pastor Darren. convicting message from Pastor Darren. convicting message from Pastor Darren. And if during the message you thought, And if during the message you thought, And if during the message you thought, man, I think I want to participate in man, I think I want to participate in man, I think I want to participate in doing a 28-day digital fast. Well, I doing a 28-day digital fast. Well, I doing a 28-day digital fast. Well, I want to invite you to let us know about want to invite you to let us know about want to invite you to let us know about it so we can be praying for you as you it so we can be praying for you as you it so we can be praying for you as you take that step. You can let us know by take that step. You can let us know by take that step. You can let us know by leaving a comment if you're watching on leaving a comment if you're watching on leaving a comment if you're watching on YouTube. Or you can open the Saddleback YouTube. Or you can open the Saddleback YouTube. Or you can open the Saddleback app and fill out a next steps card and app and fill out a next steps card and app and fill out a next steps card and leave a comment there for us as well. Or leave a comment there for us as well. Or leave a comment there for us as well. Or maybe during service there is something maybe during service there is something maybe during service there is something that stirred up in your heart that you that stirred up in your heart that you that stirred up in your heart that you might need prayer for. We would love to might need prayer for. We would love to might need prayer for. We would love to be praying for you. So you can let us be praying for you. So you can let us be praying for you. So you can let us know in the same ways by going to the know in the same ways by going to the know in the same ways by going to the link in the description or you can pull link in the description or you can pull link in the description or you can pull out the Saddleback app and let us know out the Saddleback app and let us know out the Saddleback app and let us know that way. If you want to read more about that way. If you want to read more about that way. If you want to read more about Pastor Darren's book, The Digital Fast, Pastor Darren's book, The Digital Fast, Pastor Darren's book, The Digital Fast, you can do so and purchase his book by you can do so and purchase his book by you can do so and purchase his book by scanning the QR code that you see on the scanning the QR code that you see on the scanning the QR code that you see on the screen. Read more about it. He is an screen. Read more about it. He is an screen. Read more about it. He is an incredible author and it was so great to

incredible author and it was so great to incredible author and it was so great to hear him speak today. And next weekend, hear him speak today. And next weekend, hear him speak today. And next weekend, we would love to invite you to join us we would love to invite you to join us we would love to invite you to join us as we wrap up the off-the-shelf series as we wrap up the off-the-shelf series as we wrap up the off-the-shelf series with pastor and speaker Wayne with pastor and speaker Wayne with pastor and speaker Wayne Cordderero. He is an author of o over 14 Cordderero. He is an author of o over 14 Cordderero. He is an author of o over 14 books and now speaks globally around the books and now speaks globally around the books and now speaks globally around the world about ministry and leadership. So world about ministry and leadership. So world about ministry and leadership. So we would love to see you there. Church we would love to see you there. Church we would love to see you there. Church family, we love you so much and we'll family, we love you so much and we'll family, we love you so much and we'll see you again next weekend. see you again next weekend. see you again next weekend. [Music] [Music] [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey.

Hey. Hey. [Music]