This is Part 2 of a mini-series on the power of attention, the damage caused by the capture of our attention by digital age technologies, and how we might fight our way out of the mess in which we find ourselves. Of course, we recommend you read Part 1, We Become What We Give Our Attention To, if you have not already done so.

Sometimes I am not the best pen; I use the wrong word to give meaning to a thought, concept, or article title. So, I wondered about the word “mitigating.” As it turns out, that seems to be the correct word to describe our hope for correcting the damage caused by our embrace of digital age technologies. Here’s the definition provided by Merriam-Webster (n.d.):

Mitigate: to cause to become less harsh or hostile; to make less severe or painful.

The Cambridge Dictionary (n.d.) provides a similar definition:

Mitigate: to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad; to make something less severe or less unpleasant.

I wondered about “mitigate” because it speaks of something “less” but not “free of.” When I see the physical, psychological, and social damage we have caused, allowed, and/or participated in, I want to put down the enemy, fix the problem, heal the wounds, and move on to the good, healthy, and safe life God desires for all His children. Regrettably, war scars the landscape and wounds people in ways which cannot be fully restored or healed.

Invoking the words “enemy” and “war” is not an attempt at hyperbole. Perhaps it will help to recognize that technology is, for the most part, not the enemy of which we speak. While some – myself included – are not willing to let the “spirit of technology” completely off the hook, we can all agree that our prime enemies are Satan, the world, and our own personal flesh. In fact, this is exactly the frame of mind we must have, if we are to most effectively mitigate the damage.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:7-8

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

Furthermore, “mitigate” suggests a continuance of the harm and pain this war will inflict on the younger generations. Again, I rankle at the thought! But history has made it clear, the “spirit of technology” has a life of its own that is seemingly impossible to extinguish. Consider the most deadly and destructive technologies – most of them products of war – and you will see what I mean. Once the genie is out of the bottle, he never seems to go back in.

So, “mitigate” it is. Those of us with the wisdom, courage, and wherewithal to mitigate the damage must step into the breech, set about freeing the prisoners, begin the triage process, and create space for some measure of recovery. Of course, such heroic exploits assume a fully capable fighting force. That force will have minds and hearts free of distraction, with full attention on the task at hand and on the One Who called them to it.

Getting to the Root

The physical, psychological, and social damage we are experiencing are symptoms of a deeper problem. Simply addressing the symptoms is like playing the whack-a-mole game. Beat down one malady – assuming that you can – and another will take its place. Replacing TikTok scrolling with long format YouTube videos only exacerbates the problem.

As with all other problems, the root cause of our twisted relationship with digital age technology is a spiritual one. After all, we are mostly spiritual beings living a very short, though significant, portion of our existence in this temporary, material world. Furthermore, attempting to address the symptoms simply kicks the can down the road while often reducing the quality of our spiritual life. We must get at the root. It may be inconvenient, it may be uncomfortable, and it may require more courage than we think we can muster, but that is the required investment for every other valuable thing we have acquired and accomplished in our lives.

If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all noble things are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us up to overcome. Thank God He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a glad thing, but it is also a heroic, holy thing. O. Chambers

I was raised in the United Methodist Church (UMC), where the spiritual life remained a mystery from childhood to early adulthood. I did not recognize the Holy Spirit as a personal being until my early 30s! Frankly, it took me a while to get over my frustration at the deception. No knock on the leaders; they were just teaching what they had been taught. But, my goodness, I’ve had a lot of catching up to do. And that’s my concern for most of Christendom.  

The UMC is not the only Christian denomination or stream that has taken a casual attitude toward the Third Person of the Trinity. Protestantism is full of them; too many have come to believe that His gifts are no longer available to the followers of Jesus Christ. Contrary to Paul’s instruction in 1Corinthians 14:1, the gifts of the Spirit are pursued by a small minority, and talk of the miraculous is rare and uncomfortable to most.

It seems we have followed Enlightenment thinking into materialism. Consequently, the very forces we need for our help in this crisis-laden season exist either in the past or somewhere outside our attention. Our struggles with digital age technology are merely an expected symptom of our weak spiritual state.

To combat this spiritual ignorance and malaise, we offer these five passages without commentary hopeful that the reader will not allow someone – particularly themselves – to explain them away. Our further hope lies with the Holy Spirit, that He would use them to renew our minds and set us free to walk in the spiritual power they promise.

Jesus: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12

Jesus: For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:18

Paul: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds… 2Corinthians 10:3-4

Paul: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Peter: …His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2Peter 1:2-4

We could have listed a dozen similar passages to exhort the Christian reader toward greater spiritual exploits. I pray they are words for faith (Romans 10:17), for we are in desperate need of the mighty men and women of God.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:18-19

Please notice that “the glory which shall be revealed in us” is not some kind of sweet-by-and-by sentiment. The Bible makes it clear: God’s promises are now and for those who will believe them. Give them your attention, and the distractions of this world will grow strangely dim and powerless over your life and the lives those entrusted to your care.

The Bible doesn’t use the word “distraction” in the modern sense of smartphones and social media, but it speaks volumes about the spiritual dangers of divided attention. Let’s take a look – with our attention directed towards the mitigation of spiritually distracted minds and hearts.

The Distracted Mind

We begin with the mind because it is the battle field first, most often, and most successfully assaulted by our enemies: Satan, the world, and our flesh. Not coincidentally, the transformation required occurs primarily in the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). Moreover, our turning away from the evils of Satan, the world, and our flesh begin in our minds – the meaning of “repentance” is literally “to change one’s mind.” These, and this section’s remaining assertions are explored and defended at length in An Enemy Lies Within (Streetman, 2020).

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of digital age technologies is their intention and ability to grab our attention and keep it for long periods of time. Failing to recognize their increased capture of time and attention, we find ourselves “mind-full” of their offerings. This matter of mindfulness is an extremely important one, not to be avoided because of its meaning in other religions.

Biblical mindfulness is not about emptying the mind, but about filling it with truth, gratitude, and awareness of God. Indeed, the Bible affirms the spirit of mindfulness—being present, attentive, and anchored in God’s presence – as an important factor in the mitigation of the damage caused by a distracted mind.

• Refocus your mind: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).” This is about intentional mental discipline—choosing what to dwell on.
• Guard your attention: “Turnaway my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way (Psalm 119:37)” is a prayer for discernment in what we consume.
• Prioritize your attention: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:34).” Jesus encourages us to first seek our fulfillment, security, and entertainment in His Father’s kingdom and righteousness, trusting Him with the future.
• Actively avoid distractions: “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you (Proverbs 4:25). We are responsible for remaining focused on the path God has set before us, not distracted by detours.
• Expand your attention: “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways (Psalm 119:15).” Biblical meditation and contemplation involve deeply reflecting on God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.

The next time you find yourself with some time on your hands, and you begin to reach for your smart phone, read, consider, and meditate on these passages. What does obedience to them look like in your life? What effect will that obedience have on your walk with the Lord? What effect might your transformation have on those you love and those entrusted to your care?

The Distracted Heart

The disposition of our heart is the key to mitigating the damage caused by our twisted relationship with digital age technology. Yes, the primary battle is over the control of our minds, but the most powerful weapons of our warfare are found in our hearts: wonder, desire, and faith. Indeed, we must learn to lead with our hearts.

We’ve addressed the confusion too many Christians have about their heart on many occasions; actually, every chance we get, for so many of the Redeemed are handicapped by their misunderstanding. An Enemy Lies Within not only addresses this confusion, but provides exercises for using our new hearts to overcome the influence of our carnal mind. Here’s the essence of the book’s teaching on the subject:

1. When we were redeemed, God replaced our old heart of stone with a new one (Ezekiel 36:24).
2. God would not replace our old corrupt heart with another corrupt one. We have been given a heart sensitive to His.
3. Therefore, we can trust the leading of our hearts.

Of course, when one considers the function of our heart in relationship to God, this all makes sense. Indeed, the heart is the operational center for our faith (Romans 10:10) – the faith that lays hold of God’s grace for salvation and good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). Furthermore, the desires God intends to give us for His glory are stored and active in our hearts (Psalm 37:4-6).

Consider for a moment what it means for desire and faith to flow synergistically from our hearts in the purpose and power of God. Consider next what it means for us to become distracted from His purpose and power; what opportunities are we missing? Lastly, consider that one of the sources of our heart’s distraction is our unrenewed, carnal (i.e., worldly) mind.

The carnal mind wants our heart distracted so it – our carnal mind – might maintain control. Thankfully, God has given our heart another function. Devotion is the word we want to use here; devotion being to the heart what attention is to the mind. How do we exercise our heart toward the devotion God desires, deserves, and expects?

• Find time for solitude: “Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)” is a command and a conditional promise. Stillness is the gateway to awareness, and the condition we must meet for the promise God’s presence. This verse invites us to pause, devote ourselves to God, and recognize His sovereignty in the now.
• Prioritize devotion over activity: “But Martha was distracted with much serving (Luke 10:40).” This passage reminds us that even good things can become distractions if they pull us away from intimacy with God. Paul also encourages believers to live in a way that promotes “undistracted devotion to the Lord” (1Corinthians 7:35). A. W. Tozer (2001) notes, “In an effort to get the work of the Lord done we often lose contact with the Lord of the work…”
• Discover your heart’s desires: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).” In this verse, delight means “to be soft.” If we will become pliable in God’s hands, our desires will become His purpose. His purposes cannot be denied Him (Job 42:2), including our desire for an undistracted mind and heart.
• Fear the LORD: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27).” If we are not careful, we will revere and stand in awe of technology more than God. It strokes our ego to think we are the creators of such amazing things. Make no mistake about it: this is our enemies’ intention.
• Lead with your heart: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).” This means rejecting reason for the faith God has deposited in our hearts by His written and spoken word. Of course, this requires the desire and discipline for Bible study and prayer.

As the Enlightenment and ensuing Age of Reason has now thoroughly proven, the faculty of faith – operating from a new, redeemed heart – holds the greatest promise for our surviving and thriving through and beyond the digital age. The most brilliant mind has little to no chance of surviving the twisted relationship we have developed with our technologies. Abandoned devotion to God is our only hope for mitigating the damage allowed to this point.

Conclusion

Mitigating the damage of our collectively distracted minds and hearts begins with our recognition of the problem and its severity, but understanding must be followed by heartfelt consideration of God’s desires and purposes for His people. The power of desire motivates a hearty response, by grace, through faith, for repentance and the renewing of our minds.  

The Bible does not just warn against distraction—it equips us to overcome it. Jesus is praying for our keeping in, but not of, the world (John 17:15-16). We are empowered to resist conformity to the world, being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) in the power of the Holy Spirit (2Corinthians 3:18). We are encouraged to press into the battle with confidence and peace.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7)

Through prayer and gratitude, we cultivate an attentive mind and devoted heart, both held in the peace of God.

Our next article will propose several spiritual and practical means for building protective barriers against digital age technology. In the meantime, begin practicing the disciplines listed above. God’s peace will come.

God bless you with courage, wisdom, faith, grace, and peace for the deliverance and healing of yourself and those entrusted to your care and responsibility.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen

• Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). In Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary. Retrieved July, 5, 2025, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/learner-english/mitigate
• Chambers, O. (n.d.). All Noble Things Are Difficult. My Utmost for His Highest. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://utmost.org/classic/today/
• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Mitigate. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July, 5, 2025, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mitigate
• Streetman, R. (2020). An Enemy Lies Within. Archdeacon Books; Hoover, AL.
• Tozer, A. W. (2001). Tozer on Leadership. Christian Publications; Harrisburg, PA.