My Lifeline with a Lock Screen

What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

The One Luxury I Can’t Live Without:

There was a time when luxury meant plush robes in five-star hotels, red-bottom heels, or sipping ice-blended Vanilla Frappuccino under Hawaiian skies. But for me? The one luxury I can’t live without literally fits in my palm, buzzes every few minutes, and holds more secrets than my journal.

Yes—I’m talking about my smartphone.

To some, it’s just a high-functioning rectangle. To me? It’s a lifeline, a library, a low-key therapist, and yes, sometimes a pocket-sized preacher. I’ve written haikus in airports, traded prayers via Messenger, and once Googled “how to say things in a nice way” in the middle of an emotional spiral.

My smartphone isn’t just convenient—it’s transformational. Like Proverbs 4:7 reminds us: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” And these days, much of that understanding starts with a tap and a scroll.

1. The World in My Pocket: Knowledge On Demand

Remember encyclopedias? Me neither.

My smartphone is my 24/7 personal tutor, TED Talk host, and digital librarian. Whether I’m deep-diving into the history of Korean dynasties, learning how to pronounce a French phrase, or searching “homemade tiramisu recipe,” it’s all just a few taps away.

I’ve spent hours in my living room, diving deep into the concept of the fractal universe—all sparked by something I heard in a Near-Death Experiencer’s story.

Albert Einstein said, “The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.”

Thanks to my phone, my curiosity is constantly expanding—and my mind is getting roomier by the day.

2. Entertainment On-Demand: Curated Joy at My Fingertips

When life feels heavy, or I just need to unplug from the noise, my phone becomes my sanctuary of joy. I’ll confess—I’ve cried watching BTS perform “Spring Day,” laughed at the same meme for 10 minutes, and once stayed up until 3 a.m. binge-watching a k-drama because I had to know if they ended up together.

Whether it’s Spotify worship playlists that make me cry in gratitude or animated reels that remind me life’s still funny—my smartphone is like an emotional spa. No reservations required.

Psalm 126:2 says, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”

Turns out, sometimes those songs come via earbuds and a well-curated playlist.

3. Productivity That Goes Wherever I Do

Let’s be honest—I may not always feel put-together, but my smartphone? It’s got systems.

From calendar reminders and grocery lists to half-written poems in my Notes app (currently 2,294 and counting), this gadget keeps me grounded and focused. It helps me stay on top of work, finances, creative projects, and life admin—all while looking unbothered in public.

I use it to draft blog ideas in waiting rooms, organize cloud folders, and respond to emails while waiting for my grande vanilla latte.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.”

And if that’s true, my phone is saving me at least four hours a day—give or take how many times I check social media (😬).

4. Soul Connections Across Time Zones

This one hits deep: My smartphone keeps me connected to people I love, no matter the distance. I’ve comforted grieving friends via voice notes, sent digital hugs across continents, and even cried while FaceTiming someone I haven’t hugged in years.

When my heart’s heavy, I’ll open a group chat and say, “Pray for me.” And someone always does. In that moment, I’m reminded that love, faith, and community are just one message away.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Sometimes, that encouragement arrives in the form of a meme, a song link, or a simple: “I see you.”

5. A Mirror, a Map, and a Megaphone

Some days, my smartphone feels like a mirror—reflecting who I’ve been, who I am, and who I hope to become. Other times, it’s a map—guiding me with scripture apps, wellness trackers, and GPS directions to the nearest café with good vibes.

And often, it’s a megaphone. It lets me share my voice with the world—whether through blog posts, poetry, or heartfelt texts that say what I couldn’t in person.

It’s small, yes—but powerful. And like any tool, it depends on how I use it.

Which leads me to this…

Soul Insights

1. Intention Elevates Utility

It’s not just about usage—it’s about purpose. When I choose what I engage with, I turn a digital habit into a spiritual rhythm.

2. Boundaries Create Peace

Do Not Disturb is my best friend. (Sorry, actual best friends.) There is holiness in silence and healing in boundaries.

3. Digital Can Be Sacred

My phone holds my Bible app, sermon notes, prayer list, and worship playlists. Sometimes, faith flows through fiber optics.

4. Curated Input Shapes Output

I’m learning to feed my soul—not just my scroll. I ask: Does this content deepen my peace or disturb my spirit?

5. Even Small Tools Can Serve a Big God

Like David’s sling or Moses’ staff, this sleek device can be a vessel for God’s purpose—if I steward it with care.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40

Final Thoughts: The Sacred in the Sleek

Maybe to some it’s just tech. But to me, my smartphone has become a tool for joy, growth, connection, and creativity. Not because I worship it—but because I use it intentionally.

It’s where I write prayers, share encouragement, and capture glimpses of God’s goodness in everyday life. It’s proof that even in a digital age, purpose isn’t lost—it’s just redirected.

So yes, I admit it: this is the one luxury I can’t live without. But I hold it loosely, with awareness, with reverence, and with the grace to log off when needed.

And maybe, just maybe—if God can use a burning bush, He can use an iPhone too.

Now it’s your turn: What’s one luxury you can’t live without? Is it a thing, a practice, or a tool that supports your soul?

Share it in the comments. You never know—your answer might bless someone else.

Soul Path Insights