The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.
1 Peter 4:7 (NRSV)

Each time I turn on the ignition in my vehicle, the first thing I notice is a message that reads: “Warning! Do not allow COMMAND to distract you from the traffic situation.” The manufacturer of the vehicle obviously knows that there are some alluring features and accessories in the vehicle that could potentially cause the driver to lose focus. This message is meant to remind the driver that paying attention to driving is the most important activity while behind the wheel of the vehicle.

The most important activity while we are on this journey called life is building and strengthening our relationship with God. This non-stop world that we live in is certainly full of things that will attract us and draw us off course.

We can easily get caught up with our tech gadgets, sports activities, electronic lights and billboard signs, and so much more. These things compete for our attention on a moment by moment basis, which can cause us to neglect the most important activity.

Distractions seem to be ingrained in human nature. They existed before the 21^st century and its technology. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, became distracted and ate from the forbidden tree that plunged the world into sin and corruption.

The Bible speaks of Martha becoming distracted with much serving rather than strengthening her spiritual life by gleaning from the teachings of Jesus. King David certainly became distracted by position and power when he decided not to go to battle, as was the custom of the kings. He was idle, and as a result, King David committed acts of adultery and murder that brought shame on himself and the nation.

As you can see from these examples, distractions can have deadly consequence. They can cause one to miss life-changing opportunities.

I watched an episode with Charlie Brown where he had to make a decision whether to keep his focus and write a book report for a friend, or go outside and play with his other friends. While he was reading “War and Peace,” his friends came to his window and shouted to him to put the book down and come out and play. Charlie Brown looked at the book and back at his friends several times. Ultimately, he decided to go to the window pull down the shades and finish his reading. Because he made this choice, he finished the book report as promised for his friend.

Like Charlie Brown, we have to be intentional about staying on task. Do whatever it takes to keep focused on life’s most important activity and the assignment at hand.

Do you find that you are easily distracted? If so, take note of the things that tempt you and try to avoid them. Anticipate distractions and have a plan to keep you on track. This could include creating a new environment or forming new friendships and new associates. Or simply do like Charlie Brown and pull down the shades on all of the buzz around you.

Pray…

Lord, help me to keep my focus on the things that are most important in life. Give me the strength to simply pull down the shades.

Posted by on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 @ 11:02AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational