A Reminder from Crayon Art

Recently my four-year-old child drew a picture of me, as only a preschooler can draw. Scraggly, wiggly lines somewhat resembled a human figure, but it was difficult to make sense of the drawing. I pointed and inquired about various points of the drawing, trying to figure out which lines represented my head, face, legs, arms, and tummy.

I asked if the lines at the end of the arm represented my hand, and my child confidently replied they were my phone. My heart skipped a beat.

My conscience had been pricked. Through a four-year-old’s crayon drawing, my problem was pushed to the forefront and grabbed my attention.

It was a problem I had chosen to ignore. I did not want to acknowledge that my smartphone and social media usage were out of control. But now even my child saw me and my phone as inseparable. I needed a good dose of self-control.

But self-control is easier said than done.

For some it may be a second slice of cake they cannot resist. For some it might be yielding to the temptation of an admirer other than their spouse.

For others it may be telling a lie in order to look good in the eyes of their colleagues. And what about the familiar flash of anger during rush hour traffic that results in twisted words flowing from your mouth? Galatians 5:22–24 tells us that self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit to guide us, give us strength, and remind us when we forget the importance of self-control, it is very difficult for us to be able to control our appetites and passions. We need the Holy Spirit if we truly want to change.

I had previously attempted to use self-help techniques to get rid of my addiction. Lists of dos and don’ts did not help me curb my social media addiction.

I had to accept that, in my own strength, I am weak. I need the Holy Spirit to give me the power to overcome. So began my journey to reduce the time I spent in that bottomless pit called the internet and, instead, to connect with my family, pursue my ambitions and hobbies, and above all, spend time seeking the kingdom of God by studying His Word and praying.