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I have known Dr. Tom Trimble for many years. He has served the kingdom as a pastor, preacher, musician, writer, mentor, and leader. His family has been a tremendous blessing to mine, and I have long admired his ability to think deeply about the challenges facing the church while remaining firmly grounded in Scripture.
In this episode of The Hacka Podcast, we discussed his new book, Digital Dominion, which tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: the spiritual impact of smartphones, social media, and digital technology.
Most conversations about technology focus on mental health, productivity, or cultural trends. While those conversations are important, Tom approaches the topic from a different angle. He asks a question that every Christian should wrestle with:
What is your smartphone doing to your soul?
It is a question that cuts through the noise. Technology is not inherently evil. Smartphones can be used for ministry, learning, communication, and sharing the gospel. Yet at the same time, these devices have become some of the most influential forces in our lives. They shape our habits, capture our attention, influence our emotions, and affect our relationships.
Tom explained that the average person is projected to spend approximately 25 years of their life on a smartphone. That reality alone should cause us to pause and reflect.
The conversation also explored parenting, raising children in ministry, developing creativity for the kingdom, and Tom’s framework from Digital Dominion known as STAIRS: Self-Control, Theology of Communication, Anxiety, Identity, Relationships, and Spirituality.
What stood out most to me was that this was not a conversation about throwing away your phone or rejecting technology. Instead, it was a conversation about stewardship, self-control, and allowing the Word of God to govern every area of our lives—including our digital lives.
If we are not intentional, our devices will shape us. But if we submit our habits, attention, and communication to Christ, technology can remain a tool instead of becoming a master.
10 Key Takeaways
1. Use Every Gift for the Kingdom
God gives talents for a purpose. Whether it’s preaching, music, leadership, writing, or creativity, every gift can be used to advance His kingdom.
2. Make Serving God Enjoyable
Children are more likely to love church when they see joy, fun, and authenticity modelled at home.
3. Be Fully Present
Put the phone down. Meaningful relationships are built through attention, conversation, and shared experiences.
4. Technology Is Shaping Us
We often underestimate the influence smartphones and social media have on our habits, thinking, and behaviour.
5. Self-Control Matters
Algorithms are designed to keep us scrolling. Christians must intentionally take back control of their attention.
6. Apply Scripture to Your Online Life
The biblical principles that govern our speech should also govern our texts, posts, comments, and messages.
7. Comparison Fuels Anxiety
Social media can create unhealthy comparison, leading to anxiety, insecurity, and dissatisfaction.
8. Find Your Identity in Christ
Your value is not determined by likes, followers, or engagement. Your identity is found in Jesus.
9. Prioritise Real Relationships
Digital connection should never replace genuine, face-to-face relationships with family and friends.
10. Guard Your Spiritual Life
If technology consistently crowds out prayer, devotion, and time with God, it’s time to reassess its place in your life.
Scriptures Mentioned and Related to the Conversation
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
James 1:26
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
Exodus 20:3
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true… think on these things.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.”
Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Romans 12:2
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Book and Links
In the US you can order Digital Dominion from Dr Tom Trimble’s website
Follow him on socials: Instagram
Final Thought
This conversation reminded me that discipleship is not only about what we believe but it is also about what we allow to shape us every day.
For many of us, smartphones are the most influential tool in our lives. They shape our attention, habits, emotions, relationships, and priorities.
The challenge is not to reject technology.
The challenge is to ensure that technology serves our relationship with God rather than opposing it.
I hope this conversation encourages you to take an honest look at your own digital habits and ask the same question Dr Trimble challenged us with:
What is your smartphone doing to your soul?
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