Think of your phone. Imagine how you'd feel if I stole it and ran off, or if you left it on the bus never to be seen again. 

With the riots happening right round the corner from my house, I did something new: I took to twitter to read as-it-happens updates from those who lived and worked in my town. Updates that might tell me when I should leave work to head home safely (this could be a whole topic in itself - but for an amazing interview, watch this)

Once I had decoded some Twitter jargon and downloaded the app to my iPhone, I was up and running. Within hours I was hunting down friends and asking locals where I could get my bike fixed. 

So, now a keen Facebook'er and Twitter'er, I check my iPhone.... more than I did before.  Am I addicted? Maybe. 60% of smartphone users would describe themselves as highly addicted to their phones (and interestingly 69% of people admitted to using them on the toilet!)

We are a nation addicted. Addicted to being in communication, to feeling close to people (although at least it gives the illusion that we are) and contactable. We fear loneliness and being out of contact, however I'd argue that as a nation we are more lonely and relationally disconnected than ever. I could go on.

But let me ask you... what affect does your iPhone/Blackberry have on your relationship with God? 

Can you do your God time without replying to a text? Do you rush to text a friend with news or a question before going to God first? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others on Facebook as pictures crop up? 

I do all of these things. 

So, here is a challenge. 

Let's switch off.... 

...for an hour a day, for a day a week or just during your quiet time - whatever you feel called to do. Here are just two reasons as to why: 

1- Because you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18 NIV).... not slaves to addiction, comparison, checking how many friends or followers you have, or how many people are coming to your house party.  If you feel the Holy Spirit prodding you on this, it might be that your phone has become a measure of who you are and how much you are worth - rather than the words your heavenly Dad speaks over you. 

2- 'When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father' (Matt 6:6 NIV). Can we really come into God's presence in the quiet of our room when we are distracted by what our friends are doing, and intrigued as to why our phone is buzzing? Jesus often prayed alone, he cherished that intimate and precious time in which to hear God's still small voice - so why do we often insist taking all our friends into the room with us too?

Let us know how it goes! Is this something you already do? Can you inspire others with your own 'switching off' stories? If so, leave a comment below this blog. 

Over, out, and off!

Anna Mathur