This weekend I asked my grandson for a word or phrase I could share with you.
Chicken Jockey
A chicken Jockey is a character from the video game Mincraft. My two grandsons enjoy playing this game or watching others play it on YouTube.
I don’t understand the game or the draw to playing video games. I do know the draw to social media, though.
We engage them through other means. Table games, card games, outside activities,  and conversation, which can still bore them after a short time.
The desire to pull them away reminds me of so many stories in the old testement of the bible. Time and time again, we are shown where people put other things before God all the way back to Adam and Eve.
The enticing game the serpent presented. The distraction provided to their egos. “You can beat God at His own game.” In Genesis 3:1-5 the serpents’ game was.”You will not surely die.”
As parents and grandparents, we teach spending so much time plugged into videos, and social media can distort and appeal to our ego, pride, and false desires. We want to gain knowledge of the games so badly that we play again and again. When we gain knowledge of the game, we convince ourselves that we have control over our desires.
The desire for the game begins to get in the way of Gods desire for our lives. We spend more and more time away from Gods word and purpose. These things begin to take time away from our family and friends too. Hiding behind the screen. Behind the fig leaf, we create for ourselves in the false word that the serpent showed us.
Back to chicken Jockey. It is said that moviegoers will yell out this phrase on theaters causing chaotic behavior.
Distractions in our life yell out for our attention and time. God put in place for us His principles, such as using time wisely, avoiding addictions, not letting games become idols, and ensuring these activities don’t lead to sinful behavior or dishonor God.
What God wanted for Adam and Eve was not to stop them from having fun but that they would lean into Gods knowledge and peace. That their desire for power would not lead them away from God but draw them to Him.
God let us see what time we dedicate to our screen and not you.
This week, each time you see someone or you,  yourself yearn for that device, grab your bible instead. Read a verse or two. God will open the word, and you will gain knowledge and self-control. Be open to seeing what God has to offer.

I will not be here next week end. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I am so grateful for you stopping in. My you see God move in your family and friends lives this week. Thank someone each day for being with you.
Gods grace and mercy be abounding