No Longer a Slave to…

As part of surrendering in 2018, it’s time I surrender my time, and that means no more Netflix.

Let’s face it. We can all spend hours on hours streaming Netflix. We end up not moving unless it’s to get snacks or use the bathroom because it automatically starts playing the next episode.

It’s a beautiful and soul destroying thing.

Too harsh? Maybe.

But, a phrase I heard in a recent sermon really does justify the harshness.

“The things we do, do things to us.”

If we spend hours laying in bed (or the couch – whatever your preference), not moving, not talking, and not thinking then, ultimately, we’re going to not want to move, not talk, and not think in other aspects of life.

Think of all the time you’ve spent watching Netflix that you could’ve spent talking to Jesus, reading the Bible, hanging out with community, learning something new, making new memories, etc.

Granted, the decision to give up Netflix was kind of a no brainer for me considering life on the farm doesn’t provide fancy AT&T or Comcast.

Our internet is provided by good ole gigabytes we buy from Verizon.

Yes, it sucks.

But, between that and working on launching a business, it also just made sense. So much of my time has been freed up.

My days are spent working, researching, reading, quiet time with Jesus, working out, and time with family and friends.

I can’t even scroll through social media like I use to given the limited amount of internet usage.

I can honestly say it’s freeing.

I feel more productive. My brain is getting some extra love. My heart is being poured into through Scripture and relationships. Time alone allows me to think, pray, and just sit with God.

Of course all things are fine in moderation. I’m not saying Netflix is from the Devil. If possible, I would probably keep the subscription just to binge watch on a rainy day or once a month-ish.

My point is to make you reflect and question the position Netflix has in your life.

Is it consuming so much of your time? Do you feel like not talking, not moving, and not thinking? Are there other things that use to bring you joy – painting, reading, board games, etc – but Netflix now replaces those things because it’s easy?

I encourage you take a look and if it’s a problem, make a change.

Now, there’s no verse about Netflix in the Bible, but there are verses about how we spend our time.

Here are few for you:

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

“Making the best use of the time because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:16

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered–how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” -Psalm 39:4-5

Netflix may not be an issue for you. If not, that’s great. Maybe it’s something else – social media, napping, online shopping, etc.

Just look at your heart and think about re-evaluating things. Make a list of other things you could be doing and go do them!

Here’s to no longer being a slave to Netflix!