Stewarding Digital: Using Technology Without Letting It Use You 📱
#TechInsight #TechTuesday
TL;DR: Technology is a powerful tool. But it’s also a master that never sleeps. The question is: Are you using it, or is it using you? Stewarding your screen time is key to protecting your focus, your family, and your faith.
“I am allowed to do anything,” you say. My answer to this is that not all things are good. Even if it is true that “I am allowed to do anything,” I will not let anything control me like a slave.
— 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ERV)
This verse wasn’t written about smartphones, tablets, or computers. But it might as well have been. Just because we can scroll endlessly, multi-task into oblivion, or plug in 16 hours a day doesn’t mean we should. Wisdom means knowing when to unplug. Stewardship means not letting a good tool become a bad master.
What Tech Is Costing You
Since I started working, I’ve used screens for both work and entertainment. That’s pretty common. But when screens start taking 16+ hours of your day, it’s worth asking: Am I still in charge of my technology, or has it quietly taken charge of me?
Here’s what that might look like:
Skipping sleep to “catch up” on tasks or binge one more video
Scrolling during meals, conversations, or even in the bathroom 🫣
Feeling wired but unfocused by 12pm
Letting “urgent” notifications override long-term priorities
Using devices to escape silence, rather than engage purpose
Sound familiar?
Why This Matters for Leaders
If you lead a business, team, or household, this isn’t just a personal issue. Technology shapes your attention, your energy, and your example. And your people (and your purpose) will feel the ripple effects of your rhythms.
Digital overwhelm ≠ productivity. Movement ≠ momentum.
Tech Stewardship Check-In
Take 2 minutes to check your digital rhythms with this simple reflection:
1. Screen Time
How many hours a day are you in front of a screen?
What % is intentional vs reactive use?
2. Focus
What are your 1-2 big rocks daily and does tech support or sabotage them?
Do you start your day on mission or autopilot?
3. Boundaries
Do you use tech in bed, at meals, in the bathroom?
Do you take screen-free hours (or days) regularly?
4. Discipleship
What are you modeling to your team or family?
What kinds of voices and values are shaping your mind each day?
Action Step
This week, create one healthy tech boundary or rhythm that restores your focus and honors your real priorities. Try one of these:
Ask someone close to you: “Am I present, or always plugged in?”
Start your day with Scripture, not scrolling
Choose 1 day per week to go light or silent on screens
Use DND + calendar blocks to protect your “deep work”
Declare 1 screen-free block daily (e.g., 6-8pm for family time)
Remember: You don’t need to quit tech. Just reclaim stewardship. Because tech is a terrible master, but a great servant.
Stay sharp and screen-wise.