Day 7 — Who’s the Boss?

“‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but I will not be mastered by anything.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:12 (BSB)

Video games can be awesome. So can videos, shows and apps. There’s nothing wrong with having fun on a screen! But screens can also be sneaky. Before you know it, you’ve been playing for three hours, your homework isn’t done, you’re grumpy when you have to stop, and all you can think about is getting back on.

Paul was writing to Christians who liked to say, “Everything is permissible for me!” In other words, I’m free! I can do whatever I want! And Paul said, Okay, maybe. But not everything is good for you.

Then he said something really important: “I will not be mastered by anything.”

A master is a boss, someone in charge of you. Paul was saying: I’m not going to let anything boss me around, except Jesus.

That’s a great question to ask about screens: Who’s the boss? Are you in charge of your screen, or is your screen in charge of you?

Here are some signs a screen might be starting to master you:

• You get really angry or upset when you have to stop.
• You sneak extra time when you’re not supposed to.
• You think about it all the time, even when you’re doing other things.
• You’d rather play than spend time with family or friends.
• Your homework, chores or sleep are suffering.
• You feel kind of bad or empty after playing for a long time.

If any of those sound familiar, don’t feel guilty. Screens and games are designed to be hard to put down! But it might be time to take back control.

Here are some ideas:

• Set time limits with your parents, and stick to them.
• Stop when it’s time, without arguing. That’s what being the boss looks like.
• Keep screens out of your bedroom at night.
• Take screen breaks, like a day or a weekend without them.
• Do other things you enjoy: sports, building, reading, being outside.

You’re a son of the King. Jesus is your boss, not a screen.

Think about it: Are you the boss of your screens, or are they starting to boss you? What makes you think so?

Try this: Stop playing or watching today the first time you’re asked, without arguing. Show your screen who’s the boss.

Dear God, I don’t want to be mastered by anything but You. Help me enjoy screens and games without letting them control me. Help me stop when it’s time, and remember that You are my Master. In Jesus’ name, Amen.