DISTRACTIONS

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I Was Just Thinking About – DISTRACTIONS.

There are many distractions that can occur in an individual’s life and within one’s family structure. It has become difficult to establish priorities that each individual will embrace and implement. It has become too easy to blame all of the distractions on the culture alone. The Word of God shares this word from Jesus Christ Himself: “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John15:19), And the, His prayer for His followers: “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). Jesus clearly understood the culture and environment in which His followers would exist. Jesus knew His followers would constantly experience the challenges, confrontations and opposition because of their living in a hostile ideological environment.

The writers of Scripture would echo the idea of Jesus Christ as they instructed believers on how their lives are to be lived. When John wrote his letters, he included: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (First John 2:15). Paul wrote about one’s becoming a living sacrifice. This would necessitate: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). James wrote about ramifications for the believer’s lifestyle and obligations: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27).

What are some of the things “in the world” that can and have become distractions? When Edward Gibbons (1776) wrote his volume: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire summarized some of the reasons for the decline and fall: “(1) The rapid increase of divorce; (2) the undermining of dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society.  (3) Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public money for free bread and circuses for the populace.  (4) The mad craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.  (5) The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within: (6) the decadence of the people. (7) The decay of religion—faith fading into mere form—losing touch with life and becoming impotent to guide the people.”

Some modern distraction that fall into these possibilities are similar: spots, pleasure-seeking; potential of travel; etc. Perhaps the more common weapon of mass DISTRACTION is the cellular phone. Pew Research published a study that indicated: “67% of cell phone owners find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts or calls even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating. Nearly half sleep with their phone next to their bed because they want to “make sure they didn't miss any calls, text messages, or other updates during the night.” (Pew Research surveyed 1,954 American adult cell phone owners spread rather evenly among young adults (18-29), young-to-middle-aged adults (30-49), older adults (50-64) and senior citizens (65 and older).

There are Biblical lessons one should remember about the spiritual enemy who is at work to DISTRACT the people of God from prioritizing Jesus Christ in their life and culture. He is described in different ways: Jesus said the enemy – the devil -  is a liar, deceiver and murderer (John 8:44). Peter warned the believers that he is similar to a roaring lion who stalks about seeking to devour the people of God (First Peter 5:8). Paul wrote that one needed the whole armor of God in order to deflect all the fiery darts and subtleties of the spiritual forces of evil and wickedness; and being aware of the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Are you focused upon Jesus, the Author and Completer of your faith? Is the song of your heart: “You are my strength when I am weak; You are the treasure that I seek; You are my all in all”? Or, are you distracted by lesser things put into your mind and pathway by your spiritual enemy?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.