DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
Do Smartphones Have a Place in Worship?
© NaimaLett.com/blog
“You’re gonna have to put that up,” I explained to the twenty-something, self-ascribed iReporter clicking away pictures on his smartphone next to me in service last night.
The conversation that ensued was very enlightening for me. His point of view was that he had every right to take pictures of the dancers going forth in ministry. It was his phone. He could do what he wanted.
My point of view was this was the time to worship God with the dancers leading us in worship. This isn’t a rock concert. We had gathered to meet with God and hear from Him. How can we do that if we’re taking pictures, as if we’re at a performance. If we’re snapping photos for Instagram and Facebook, we probably aren’t focused on what God is saying in that moment.
Who’s Right?
Is there a right or wrong here?
Or just 2 people with differing opinions?
Family of God, we’re at a crossroads. Our young people are growing up with a smartphone attached at the hip, and they don’t feel that it’s inappropriate to bring that smartphone to the altar and snap, snap, snap. How do we honor them and not push them away, but also honor God and show Him respect. Is this about respect?
Being Present
Before I ministered last night, I asked permission of the pastors so that I could invite all the iReporters to take the night off, put their iPhones down, and hear from the Lord. As I was speaking, one of the pastors said, “We must be present.” She nailed it.
Being present with God during worship is the key.
In I Kings 19:12, God whispered to Elijah in a still voice. Elijah was attentive. He had been in a 40 day fast in the wilderness, running for his life. He was present.
It’s like having a conversation with someone and while they’re talking, we’re snapping pictures instead of listening. Nothing wrong with taking pictures. Photos are great. But there’s a time and place for everything.
Or maybe my age is showing.
I don’t know.
What do you think?
Can we be present with God during worship service and take pictures of the worship team, dancers, singers, artists?
I’d love to hear from you.
The questions we ask in LaLa Land,
Naima
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© 2013 Naima Lett. All Rights Reserved
Well stated and I totally agree with you. It is also such a distraction and disrespectful during a worship service. Nope, I don’t think it is an age/generation issue. I do think it has something to do with the maturity of the worshiper and how God will be honored and glorified. We must keep teaching, preaching, showing and loving all of our brothers and sisters. To God be the glory
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Yes, we must continue to teach and show love. I agree. I’m trying, my sister. LOL!
To God be the Glory! :=)
Hi Naima,
I personally am not as into worship if I am doing absolutely anything with my phone. On the other hand, our pastor encourages us to tweet out or send a face book message telling what the Lord has communicated to us. I get the impression he would not mine if that was done during his message or after church. The message is not the only time God communicates to us, thus I figure one could send out a message during any part of the service or about any part of the service. Thanks for the thoughtful blog.:)
Thanks Patrice.
I appreciate that. I have heard pastors engage the congregation during their sermons and encourage interaction through social media. That may work during the sermon. All I know is that I was totally distracted by the guy next to me filming and taking pictures with his phone during worship??? Girl, I don’t know.
We live in a world of great technology and Smart Phones are wonderful.
However, if Solomon were here today maybe he’d say “there is a time to use” and “a time to refrain from using” cell phones, that is. God deserves all of our attention in His house of worship.
Agreed, Darlis.
I like that Solomon reference. There is a time and place for everything!
Well said! :=)