I hope everyone had a great and safe 4th of July. A few weeks ago, I was having dinner with a friend and the subject came up about being distracted as a Christian. So, this week I would like to take a look at this subject.
First of all, what is a distracted Christian? The Merriam-Webster dictionary says, “having one’s thoughts or attention drawn away: unable to concentrate or give attention to something.” What a distracted Christian is, simply put, is allowing worldly things, thoughts and actions that takes or separates us from God.
I think this happens to all of us from time to time. We need to recognize the distraction and realize the source of the distracter. As I’ve said many times before, we are at war, that is we are in a spiritual battle every day. Our adversary, the devil, will attack us in every way he can to keep us from having a relationship with God.
These attacks come in many different ways. Today, that sly ole Satan uses distractions to stop us from doing God’s will. I know in my life; distractions seem to pop up when I’m reading the bible or talking and praying to God. Satan puts thoughts in our minds that distract you. You know, a phone call, text message, or maybe it’s the kids distracting You? The fact is… You will be distracted!
As Christians, if we are going to be successful in our walk with God, and in accomplishing our goals, we must learn how to overcome distractions and stay focused in the midst of a distracting world. So, what can we do?
First, we must start by identifying specifically what it is that distracts you. Not everyone is distracted by the same things. Is it TV, electronics, social media, a significant other, laziness, lack of zeal, clutter, co-workers, background noise, hunger, your kids, or having too many tasks? Romans 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Do not be of this world but transformed. If you’re distracted by the TV, unplug it! Turn your cell phone completely off! Anything that is physically stealing your focus, get rid of it! Or at least turn it off or put it away.
Need a quiet place? Maybe changing your environment would help. Go to your local library. Do you need to free your mind to allow your thoughts to flow? Take a walk or go for a drive. Even Jesus went to a quiet place, in Mark 1:35, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Jesus got away from His distractions.
Next, get your mind right! Isaiah 26:3 tells us, ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Keep your mind on things above and not on things of this world. You may have heard of the ole adage, “what you put in, is what you’ll get back.” In other words, if you put garbage in (sin), garbage is what you’ll get back.
Some final thoughts, what can I do to help stop these distractions in my mind? The fact is Satan will not stop trying to distract you. Now that we know who the source is (Satan), there’s one thing that I do that helps me control these distractions. I think to myself, I must be doing something that Satan doesn’t like or wants me to do. so, then I stop and give the Lord praise and thanks for being His child. Satan is just reminding me that God loves me. If you find yourself tempted, distracted or maybe everything is going wrong… Praise and thank God. This is the last thing Satan wants you to do. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
In closing let me ask you a question. Do distractions affected your relationship with God? Maybe you’ve lost that initial excitement you once had. Maybe you have never had a relationship with God. If this sounds like you, there’s no better time to get a great relationship with God.
Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, it’s time to make it right. It’s time to pray. Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Please don’t get discouraged. Having Christian distractions is just the devil trying to defeat you. You must be doing something right.
I pray that God will truly Help and Bless you. If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com. May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The fact is… You will be distracted!