And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:19
This world is full of distraction. We are distracted daily by a barrage of issues. Our family, relationships, jobs, the bills, medical issues, social media, and current world events. We have natural disasters, wars and threats of more war, pandemic fallout, inflation, and the election. Let’s not forget road rage incidents. We face the drug epidemic, poverty, and violence. We also worry about our future as a country and a people.
I could go on, but I will spare you. There are days that I am filled with anxiety and worry. I worry about my children and grandchildren. I worry about the future and what they will face. I worry about job loss, and the economy.
I am allowing all the distractions to divert my focus and purpose. I do not think that I am that unique. I believe that maybe you are experiencing the same anxiety and worry.
One of Satan’s best ploys is distraction. If he can keep us distracted, then we are not thinking of what is important. While we are focusing on these other things, we are neglecting the most important thing. The condition of our soul and relationship with Jesus.
We often neglect our souls. When was the last time you honestly took time to think about where you were going after you die? When was the last time you came before the Lord not to ask for something? When was the last time you came not to whine? When was the last time you checked on the status of your soul? Could you right now say with certainty? If you died at this very moment, would you be in heaven the next?
I believe that there will be people distracted right to the gates of Hell. After spending their whole lives focusing on everything in this world and not on Jesus.
Fix your eyes upon Jesus not the things of this world, The things of this world will pass away. In 100 years, what job you had will not matter. The size of your house will not matter. How much money was in the bank will not matter. What kind of car you drove will not matter. Your car will be rusted away. Your house will have someone else in it. Everyone that you knew or knew you will be gone.
I am not trying to be morbid or cruel. What I am trying to do is shift your focus from this world to Jesus. Your relationship with Jesus is eternal.
Here are some pointers on you may keep your focus and purpose amid distractions.
Prioritize your relationship with God. Make your time with God a priority every day. I am guilty of letting other things get in the way of my prayer and study time. This happens because I do not put Jesus first. I allow the world to get in the way. I push him back to do other things.
Seek His Wisdom. The book of James, chapter 1, and verse 5 instructs us to ask for wisdom and God will give generously. This coupled with daily study and prayer will increase our understanding. With increased understanding and knowledge, our fears and anxieties can be relived.
Avoid being consumed by worldly desires. It is so easy to get focused on what we want. It is ok to have nice things and experiences. However, it becomes an issue when our pursuit takes precedence over our relationship with God and others in our lives. Stay focused on Jesus not on things in this world that will fade away.
Overcome distraction by developing a disciplined prayer life and meditating on His teachings. It is easy to become distracted by this world. It is a daily struggle, at least for me. However, recognizing the issues that cause distraction is the first step to avoiding. By developing a disciplined prayer and study life you keep your focus on Jesus.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 