Just like the farmer experiences joy when the harvest comes, we experience satisfaction to a greater degree when we are willing to wait. In a world of instant gratification, anticipation yields happiness that quick fixes can’t.
The teaser at the end of my favorite new Netflix drama beckoned me to watch just one more episode. I needed to know whether or not the main character would reconcile with her husband. And what was going to happen with her mother-in-law, who seemed intent on making her life miserable? Each subplot was building and making it difficult for me to think about anything else. I felt connected to the characters, as though I was somehow part of their lives, even though they were fictional.
Does any of this sound familiar? Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other popular video streaming services have one thing in common: They drop the entire season of their original shows at once, making it easier than ever to binge-watch the entire season in one sitting. And apparently, doing this is not uncommon because whenever a new season comes out, memes about binging often circulate on social media, joking about the after-effects of viewers’ hours in front of the TV.
One question I’ve heard when discussing this topic is whether there is anything wrong with doing this. After all, you’re not harming anyone or doing anything illegal, right? But the temptation to consume endless amounts of something intended to entertain or distract us doesn’t stop there. We can also spend hours on social media, video games, shopping apps, or consuming excessive amounts of food. When it comes to binge culture, not much is off-limits.
Do you remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Charlie was the only one who passed the test of waiting. Each of the other kids had to consume the treats immediately, wouldn’t listen to their guide, and wound up miserable. When it comes to binge culture, I’m reminded of the basic concept of this movie: Waiting and moderation are so much more satisfying in the long run than mass consumption.
But there are also dangers of binge culture. Here are a few I’ve learned from experience and from yes, binging:
1. It Transforms the Way We Think, and Not in a Good Way
If we’re watching a show for eight to ten hours straight, it is going to transform our thoughts. I experienced this firsthand a couple of years ago when I couldn’t get enough of a particular series, and I started having dreams about it. It entered into my conversations as well, and because the show was rather dramatic and intense, it also gave me anxiety. When the dreams turned into nightmares, I knew I needed to stop watching it altogether.
Now, some may argue that their particular show is uplifting, doesn’t cause anxiety, etc. but the danger of over-consumption is still there. And the reason is this: If we’re consuming something that is of the world and not of God for hours upon hours at a time, Satan has more than an ample opportunity to get a foothold.
In Romans, Paul warns us about conforming to the pattern of the world:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
We aren’t going to renew our minds by consuming something that is of the world. But through intentional time away, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and spending time with him, we will be able to not only know him better but discern his will.
2. It Programs Us to Devalue Waiting
Studies have shown that when we have to wait for something, we value it more. In the same way, working hard for a reward makes us appreciate it, waiting teaches us that not everything is instantaneous, and some of the best experiences in life come after a period of waiting. When we binge, we teach our brains the opposite. Even though we may recognize that life doesn’t always follow this pattern, our patience in day-to-day activities is likely to be affected. I noticed this after spending an excessive amount of time on social media one day. Even though I didn’t think it would affect anyone, I had a shorter fuse with my kids and was irritable for the rest of the afternoon.
Scripture has plenty to say about the importance of patience and the value of waiting. James summed it up perfectly when he said this:
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7-8 ESV
Just like the farmer experiences joy when the harvest comes, we experience satisfaction to a greater degree when we are willing to wait. In a world of instant gratification, anticipation yields happiness that quick fixes can’t.
3. It Depletes Our Souls
Our souls were created for depth. We see this in Psalm 42 when the writer says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls” (Psalm 42:7). When we mindlessly scroll, consume, and binge, we numb a place within ourselves that is satisfied by God alone. It’s the place where we feel well within us when we’re enjoying a quiet sunrise on the beach. It’s the place we feel ache a bit when a song hits us in just the right way. This part of us can’t be nourished by constant consumption, endless amounts of knowledge, or even apps that promise a stress-free life. God created us to need him, and we find him in moments of stillness. Does this mean he won’t speak to us unless we’re completely still? Of course not. But any relationship requires time and intention to thrive, and the one we have with the Father is no different.
Jesus warned against the dangers of forfeiting our souls in Matthew 16 when he gave this word to the disciples:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:26 NIV
If we need further evidence of the dangers of exchanging our souls for the world’s promises, we need only look at Judas. He exchanged his relationship with Jesus for thirty silver coins, and then later hung himself. While this example may seem extreme, it is a sobering picture of what can happen when we devalue our souls.
Friend, if you’ve been drawn into binge culture the good news is this: God’s grace is sufficient. He is more than capable of replacing your desire to consume TV, social media, or whatever your fix is with something that will replenish you instead of drain you.
The first step toward renewal is being honest about where we are. If the pull of temptation is too great, tell God. He will empower you with his truth and strength, and give you a firm place to stand.
Then, thank him as though the battle is already won. Because it is. Through your posture of gratitude and praise, he will lift you to a place where you can see clearly. And my guess is the first thing you’ll notice is a peace you didn’t have before.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Clement-M
Abby McDonald is a writing coach and the author of Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God. Her mission is to empower women to seek God in the middle of life’s messes and to share their faith with courage. Abby writes regularly for Proverb 31 Ministries’ daily devotions team, and her work has been featured in numerous publications. You can connect with Abby on her website where you can grab a free worship playlist to help you shift your focus toward God. You can also connect with Abby on Instagram.
