DISTRACTIONS

-->

I Was Just Thinking About – DISTRACTIONS.

You are having a conversation with a loved one, friend or acquaintance – and suddenly, unexpectedly – your telephone rings (or mobile phone chimes). You are distracted and must make a choice. Do you answer the phone or ignore it? You decide to answer it and find it is some frivolous “robo-call” (an automated telephone call that delivers a recorded message, typically on behalf of a political party or telemarketing company) or  some other frivolous matter. But – you have allowed yourself to be distracted and a communication of import interrupted.

Matthew 14:28-31 records how quickly one can become distracted. On a stormy night, the disciples are on their boat and they see a figure approaching them – walking on the water. At first, they think it is a ghost. Peter boldly addresses that figure by saying - Lord, if it’s You, order me to do what you are doing. The Lord replies – Come on! Peter climbs out of the vessel and begins to walk on the surface of the water. But then – Peter becomes distracted. He takes his eyes off of Jesus and notices where he is and his surroundings – the effects of the strong wind and waves. He is frightened and begins to sink. Peter shouts – Lord! If it is you – save me! Immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and rescues Peter from the peril of the sea. But – Jesus had a statement and question for Peter (and for us as well): “You have so little faith, why did you doubt?”

If we allow ourselves to be totally honest before the Lord, His statement and question pierces through any and all spiritual veneer. So often, one can become distracted by circumstances and events, and take one’s eyes off of Jesus. Other situations can cause one to be distracted. In a very practical matter, Luke 10:38-42 records an event where Jesus comes into the community of Martha and Mary, along with some of their guests and friends. The people need to be fed and Martha is busy with her preparations. Her sister, Mary, is in the group listening to the teaching of Jesus. Martha becomes distracted “with much serving” and has had enough and is indignant. She is convinced that it is unfair and unjust for her to have to do all this preparation by herself. She says to Jesus (verse 40): “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Jesus does not respond to her indignant and frustrated statement about Mary being compelled by Him to assist her sister. Instead, his response was (Verses 40-41), “Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Jesus is essentially saying that He should be the number one priority in her life and the lives of those who follow Him.

In Mark 4:18-19, Jesus has been defining the parable of the sower and the seed. He indicates the major distractions (thorns) that does not allow for seed’s potential in one’s life.  The seed “sown among thorns are those who hear the word,  but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” These are major areas of distraction.

The Scriptures also remind one of the relentless devices, designs and schemes of the devil (Second Corinthians 2:11). The cautionary word is for the child of God to prevent being outwitted by the enemy of one’s soul, the devil. Paul also instructs the need for and the benefit of the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Why? Verses 11-12,  “So that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” These words describe one’s need to be aware of the devil’s schemes and the constancy of the power of evil.

Don’t let yourself be distracted in any way or at any time, Especially as you - Prayerfully – consider these things with me.