ATTENTION DEFICIT

I Was Just Thinking About – ATTENTION DEFICIT.

There are a considerable number of studies and ongoing research in the area of ADHD – Attention Deficit/Hypertension Disorder. One of the key issues is work with an individual in the area of focus rather than distraction and calmness rather than fidgetiness. It is a growing study with Adolescents as well as Adults. Common Treatment includes the use of Medication and Counseling. With Children, it also includes Behavioral Modification.

A greater concern should include the Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder. It was found in the Creation where The Creator said to Adam and Eve – “Thou shalt not!” In that perfect environment, they took the opportunity to ignore The Creator and to yield to an alternative behavior. Basically, they chose not to take a serious God seriously. They had clearly heard God’s Words externally but decided internally there was nothing wrong with exercising an option that was afforded them. Their Attention Disorder at that point was based on a lack of personal discipline  and their desire dictated by their personal sense of entitlement.

Several times in Scripture, reference is made to “ears that hear” and response to what has been said (Matthew 11:15, Matthew 13:9). In His parable of the Sower and the Seed, the Disciples had asked Jesus why He spoke to the people using parables. He responded - Matthew 13:13 – “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” When Isaiah was willing to respond to God’s call to go to the people, God revealed the following to him – Isaiah 6:9-10 – “Go, and say to this people: Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive. Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and blind their eyes; lest they see with their eyes...hear with their ears...understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

There are at least two areas where Attention Deficit is present in the Church today. First, is in the area of Church Officers and the assumed role of “ruling” in the Church. Many officers forget that “ruling” must fit in with the authority of Jesus Christ in one’s life. It is not one assuming the role of being in control but one who exhibits being under authority. The Job Description of a Biblical  church officer is given in First Peter 5:1-4, “I exhort the elders among you…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” Is this how the Church Officer in the Church you attend serves the Lord among God’s people? Or – do they exhibit their Attention Deficit?

Secondly, how does the average professing Christian respond to the Word of God today? Some guideline is given in Ephesians 4:1-3,  30-32 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Is this the pattern of your spiritual behavior and with those with whom you associate? Or – is this your Attention Deficit?

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.