The Danger Of Distraction.

"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion.'" Luke. 10:41-42. ESV.

A former police officer tells of the tactics of roving bands of thieves: “They enter the store as a group. One or two separate themselves from the group, and the others start a loud commotion in another section of the store. This grabs the attention of the clerks and customers. As all eyes are turned to the disturbance, the accomplices fill their pockets with merchandise and cash, leaving before anyone suspects. Hours sometimes even days later, the victimized merchant realizes things are missing and calls the police. Too late. How often this effective strategy is used by the Evil One! We are seduced into paying attention to the distractions, while evil agents ransack our lives. In times when well-publicized sins have captured our attention, we do well to check our own moral pockets to see if we have anything left.

Distraction works by shifting your attention from the Saviour to the "storm," similar to Peter sinking when he looked away from Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. A distracted believer is a powerless one, so consistently fix your focus on your spiritual purpose and calling rather than fleeting worldly pursuits. A distracted believer may never know what exactly to do, when to do it and how to do it. Your ability to resist the devil and his cohorts always begins with your ability to submit. Aligning your will with God’s, you gain the spiritual authority to resist temptation. Active resistance involves actively pushing back against thoughts, temptations, and situations that lead to sin or spiritual lethargy. But for as long as you allow distractions in your life and you respond to them, you will be too diluted in strength to be able to confront and conquer the adversary.

Just as Jesus did in the wilderness, use the Bible to counter temptations and lies, countering distraction with truth. Regularly meditating on Scripture keeps your mind focused on divine truth rather than the noise and anxieties of the world. The lifestyle characterised by regular and deep rooted fellowship keeps you active and watchful against the wiles of the enemy. Prayer keeps you connected to God and strengthens your spiritual vigilance. It is a vital tool to "pray without ceasing" to avoid the spiritual slumber that allows distractions to take hold. Protect your spiritual life by being intentional about your environment and company, surrounding yourself with individuals who share a vision for spiritual growth. Set boundaries and be vigilant (sober-minded) about what you allow into your mind and life, as even good things can become distractions if they displace God. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

"...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus." Heb. 12:1-2.

"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." Matt. 13:22.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, fill my mind with Your peace and grant me an undivided heart to serve You. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, and provide the discipline to stay focused on my purpose. I silence every tactic of the enemy that brings confusion and noise into my life. I rebuke the spirit of fear, temptation, and procrastination intended to weaken my spiritual walk. in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Chron. 10:1-19.

2 Chron. 11:1-23.

2 Chron. 12:1-16.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“The Enemy Can't Destroy The Believer Until He Distracts The Believer, Avoid Distractions They Are They Lead You On Towards Destruction."