Distraction is something that keeps you from fully focusing on what is at hand. Yes, this does happen to Christians; maybe even more than others.
Paul was distracted by pain. We give our distractions all sorts of names, but at the end of the day, distraction is anything that pulls our attention away from God. And it can come in many forms.
The world is filled with distractions, some are pleasant distractions while others are not.
The first distraction we must face is an all too common one, our minds. It seems when we are intently focusing on God, either in prayer or hearing a sermon, our minds begin to wander. We may start to worry about one thing or another. Did I lock the car door? Did I send the house payment? What am I fixing for dinner?
The next thing we know we have put God on a shelf and wandered far from His presence.
In today's world many things try to claim our time.
Television, texting, checking emails, talking on the phone or using social media takes your eyes off God. It seems as if the devil has an endless source of weapons to get our focus off of God.
Regrets. Grudges. Toxic Relationships. Pursuit of Perfection. The Thoughts of Others. Negative Thinking. Negative thoughts are all distractions.
So, How Can We Avoid Being Spiritually Distracted?
Pray and ask the Lord to guard your heart from spiritual distractions.
Study the scriptures and apply the truths of God in your life daily.
Gather with other believers and encourage one another spiritually.
Consider God's Word and your heart and apply the truth of God.
It isn't easy to overcome distractions, the best we can do is try to recognize them so when they sneak in we can ask God to help us deal with them.
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Carl A. Gooch ~ 13 March 2024
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