HOW DISTRACTED ARE YOU?
What does it mean to be distracted? By definition, it means to be drawn away of the mind, heart, attention, or interests in another direction; to be diverted from your course or path by introducing a diversion, confusion or arousal of a different area of interest.
Distractions can have very serious consequences; especially when you are driving. People are frequently distracted from maintaining a state of alertness and awareness of their surroundings and environment. A teen is so focused on playing his video game that he fails to notice that a burglar has entered his home and making noises that should otherwise get his attention. A mother is so preoccupied with her daily chores, or watching the soaps, that she fails to see her child doing things or getting into things that he shouldn’t until she hears that terrible crashing sound or the child screaming out in pain.
Distractions accomplish at least three things. They keep you from seeing or recognizing natural perils, be they physical, financial or personal. They can also keep you from being aware of spiritual perils, activities, beguilements, Satan’s tempting and entrapments. They also can prevent you from maturing in the Lord, hindering spiritual growth because of focusing on material things of this world. Jesus gave us a warning about such distractions:
Matthew 13:22 - He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
In the above verse the “thorns” that prevent the Word of God from maturing a believer and producing the desired fruit are the main type of distractions we all face daily. First is the deceitfulness (pursuit) of riches which has become a popular theme being taught in churches these days. The second and even more common mode of distraction that affects us all are the “cares of this world” or just trying to survive in this life with all its requirements and preoccupations of daily activity. Note also that Jesus said:
Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus foretold that in these last days there would be major distractions, especially in the church:
Matthew 24:4 - And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves…
Matthew 7:22-22 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 24: 24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(Note: The word Christ is the Greek for Messiah which means anointed one. The false Christ’s Jesus warned about are false anointed ones. Have you ever heard of ministers claiming they are an anointed one? I sure have, and Christian TV is full of them – just as Jesus warned us about.)
Believers who are not alert spiritually are subject to the perverse distractions of the numerous false prophets, teachers and preachers who are currently spewing out their fleshly appealing messages in churches and especially on so-called Christian TV. These distractions bring about the deception Jesus warned about, all of which destroy believers by having them focus on the things of this world, appealing to covetousness and the lusts of the flesh.
The apostle Paul also warned of the result of such false doctrines that would invade the church in the last days:
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
It is clear that Paul was describing conditions within the church in the last days because where else do you find “a form of godliness”; certainly not in the world! So we can see the result of the distractions caused by false teaching in the church. Such false doctrines produce the above characteristics in those who are supposed to be transforming into the very image of Christ.
Believers caught up in the cares of this life and/or the material pursuit of riches cease to be spiritually discerning and end up conforming to the world instead of to the image of Christ. The following are a few examples of false doctrines that are having a significant negative influence on believers and choke the Word of God in their lives so as to keep them from producing the fruit God is looking for in His coming harvest.
The success and prosperity doctrine that began in the early 1970’s cause people to focus their attention on creation rather than the creator. That teaching appeals to the lusts of the flesh – the very part of us that is to be crucified with Christ.
Galatians 5: 24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Next is the gospel of “greasy grace” or easy believism that does not call sin SIN and allows for salvation without repentance. This so-called “positive” gospel is considered to be socially pleasing and politically correct because you don’t want to upset people with the negative idea that they are sinners and must change their way of living. They fail to recognize the Jesus died because of the way we are and salvation without repentance changes nothing. Thus such people continue living in the flesh and never come to produce the desired fruit God is looking for – Christ in us the hope of glory – Colossians 1:27.
Another is false teaching is the “blessing” doctrine that says God will only bless you and give you the desires of your heart and what you want. This teaching also courts the flesh saying that no trails or problems will come your way since God only blesses you with good things and will not allow affliction in your life. It also goes so far as to say that God does not chastise, correct or punish improper behavior because he loves you just the way you are. These people obviously have become ungodly because scripture says:
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
True Christians do not conform to this world but become enemies of this world because their allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom.
Romans 8:4 - That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
So we see what distractions can do to our faith and spiritual walk with the Lord. It is interesting to note that Jesus was not distracted while doing his ministry here on earth. The reason is that He kept his focus on the Father and the Kingdom of God. This is why He separated Himself and went off to spend time with the Father in prayer. He didn’t even allow the people’s questions or the taunts of the opposition to distract him. Scripture records a young rich man asking Him a question and His answer was to focus on the kingdom of God. Another person asked a question and His answer seemed unrelated to the question asked and that was because He responded again with the view and objective of the kingdom of God that He want this person to focus on.
We, however, seem to be easily distracted from the kingdom of God, mostly by the everyday cares of this life. Jesus warned us to not be so caught up in these daily issues that can cause us to become unaware of the signs of the times and what precedes His return. Unfortunately, too many Christians are unaware of what is happening and seem to be just ignoring the whole current world situation. (By the way, the word world as used in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word cosmos and does not refer to the planet earth but to the social system of mankind.)
Again, Jesus gave a strong and dire warning of becoming aware of what is going on in these last days:
Luke 21:34 - And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Here again we see Jesus warning us of the distraction caused by being preoccupied and so concerned about the “cares of this life” that it can cause us to become “unaware”. If you have ever had the opportunity to observe deer in the wild you would see an excellent example of maintaining a keen sense of awareness even while actively engaged in their daily affairs of life. When they eat and drink they have their senses tuned to pick up any danger signs around them. Hardly anything catches them by surprise because they are ready to do what it takes to avoid perils. To bad the average Christian does not live with his spiritual senses tuned to the Lord. The reason again is they are so distracted by the affairs and cares of this life. This is exactly what is referred to when Jesus spoke about they way things were in the days of Noah:
Matthew 24: 37-39 - But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
These people we so distracted by their lustful living that they could not recognize what was about to happen. Does it rain out of a clear sky, NO. So how could they not notice the storm clouds building? They were distracted by the cares of this life!
Do you recognize the current building spiritual storm clouds, or are you also distracted by the cares of this life? Jesus told us to be as the deer, alert, watchful and in fellowship with the Father in prayer so as to be able to escape what is coming.
Luke 21:36 - Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Here we are exhorted to be watchful, aware and alert to the times and what is going on round about us. We are also instructed to pray; to be in communion with our Heavenly Father so as to be able to receive what He wants to reveal to us, or warn us about, or what action to take to avoid what things lie ahead. We are not to be complacent or presumptive but to be aggressively seeking Him and His guidance.
Take time out of your daily affairs, the cares of this life with its distractions, and have your private time of fellowship with Him in His Word and in prayer. We don’t seem to realize just how important this time with Him is. Remember, this is how Jesus was able to stay focused and not be distracted by this world. He is our example – follow Him!
What does it mean to be distracted? By definition, it means to be drawn away of the mind, heart, attention, or interests in another direction; to be diverted from your course or path by introducing a diversion, confusion or arousal of a different area of interest.
Distractions can have very serious consequences; especially when you are driving. People are frequently distracted from maintaining a state of alertness and awareness of their surroundings and environment. A teen is so focused on playing his video game that he fails to notice that a burglar has entered his home and making noises that should otherwise get his attention. A mother is so preoccupied with her daily chores, or watching the soaps, that she fails to see her child doing things or getting into things that he shouldn’t until she hears that terrible crashing sound or the child screaming out in pain.
Distractions accomplish at least three things. They keep you from seeing or recognizing natural perils, be they physical, financial or personal. They can also keep you from being aware of spiritual perils, activities, beguilements, Satan’s tempting and entrapments. They also can prevent you from maturing in the Lord, hindering spiritual growth because of focusing on material things of this world. Jesus gave us a warning about such distractions:
Matthew 13:22 - He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
In the above verse the “thorns” that prevent the Word of God from maturing a believer and producing the desired fruit are the main type of distractions we all face daily. First is the deceitfulness (pursuit) of riches which has become a popular theme being taught in churches these days. The second and even more common mode of distraction that affects us all are the “cares of this world” or just trying to survive in this life with all its requirements and preoccupations of daily activity. Note also that Jesus said:
Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Jesus foretold that in these last days there would be major distractions, especially in the church:
Matthew 24:4 - And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves…
Matthew 7:22-22 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 24: 24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(Note: The word Christ is the Greek for Messiah which means anointed one. The false Christ’s Jesus warned about are false anointed ones. Have you ever heard of ministers claiming they are an anointed one? I sure have, and Christian TV is full of them – just as Jesus warned us about.)
Believers who are not alert spiritually are subject to the perverse distractions of the numerous false prophets, teachers and preachers who are currently spewing out their fleshly appealing messages in churches and especially on so-called Christian TV. These distractions bring about the deception Jesus warned about, all of which destroy believers by having them focus on the things of this world, appealing to covetousness and the lusts of the flesh.
The apostle Paul also warned of the result of such false doctrines that would invade the church in the last days:
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
It is clear that Paul was describing conditions within the church in the last days because where else do you find “a form of godliness”; certainly not in the world! So we can see the result of the distractions caused by false teaching in the church. Such false doctrines produce the above characteristics in those who are supposed to be transforming into the very image of Christ.
Believers caught up in the cares of this life and/or the material pursuit of riches cease to be spiritually discerning and end up conforming to the world instead of to the image of Christ. The following are a few examples of false doctrines that are having a significant negative influence on believers and choke the Word of God in their lives so as to keep them from producing the fruit God is looking for in His coming harvest.
The success and prosperity doctrine that began in the early 1970’s cause people to focus their attention on creation rather than the creator. That teaching appeals to the lusts of the flesh – the very part of us that is to be crucified with Christ.
Galatians 5: 24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Next is the gospel of “greasy grace” or easy believism that does not call sin SIN and allows for salvation without repentance. This so-called “positive” gospel is considered to be socially pleasing and politically correct because you don’t want to upset people with the negative idea that they are sinners and must change their way of living. They fail to recognize the Jesus died because of the way we are and salvation without repentance changes nothing. Thus such people continue living in the flesh and never come to produce the desired fruit God is looking for – Christ in us the hope of glory – Colossians 1:27.
Another is false teaching is the “blessing” doctrine that says God will only bless you and give you the desires of your heart and what you want. This teaching also courts the flesh saying that no trails or problems will come your way since God only blesses you with good things and will not allow affliction in your life. It also goes so far as to say that God does not chastise, correct or punish improper behavior because he loves you just the way you are. These people obviously have become ungodly because scripture says:
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
True Christians do not conform to this world but become enemies of this world because their allegiance is to Christ and His Kingdom.
Romans 8:4 - That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
So we see what distractions can do to our faith and spiritual walk with the Lord. It is interesting to note that Jesus was not distracted while doing his ministry here on earth. The reason is that He kept his focus on the Father and the Kingdom of God. This is why He separated Himself and went off to spend time with the Father in prayer. He didn’t even allow the people’s questions or the taunts of the opposition to distract him. Scripture records a young rich man asking Him a question and His answer was to focus on the kingdom of God. Another person asked a question and His answer seemed unrelated to the question asked and that was because He responded again with the view and objective of the kingdom of God that He want this person to focus on.
We, however, seem to be easily distracted from the kingdom of God, mostly by the everyday cares of this life. Jesus warned us to not be so caught up in these daily issues that can cause us to become unaware of the signs of the times and what precedes His return. Unfortunately, too many Christians are unaware of what is happening and seem to be just ignoring the whole current world situation. (By the way, the word world as used in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word cosmos and does not refer to the planet earth but to the social system of mankind.)
Again, Jesus gave a strong and dire warning of becoming aware of what is going on in these last days:
Luke 21:34 - And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Here again we see Jesus warning us of the distraction caused by being preoccupied and so concerned about the “cares of this life” that it can cause us to become “unaware”. If you have ever had the opportunity to observe deer in the wild you would see an excellent example of maintaining a keen sense of awareness even while actively engaged in their daily affairs of life. When they eat and drink they have their senses tuned to pick up any danger signs around them. Hardly anything catches them by surprise because they are ready to do what it takes to avoid perils. To bad the average Christian does not live with his spiritual senses tuned to the Lord. The reason again is they are so distracted by the affairs and cares of this life. This is exactly what is referred to when Jesus spoke about they way things were in the days of Noah:
Matthew 24: 37-39 - But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
These people we so distracted by their lustful living that they could not recognize what was about to happen. Does it rain out of a clear sky, NO. So how could they not notice the storm clouds building? They were distracted by the cares of this life!
Do you recognize the current building spiritual storm clouds, or are you also distracted by the cares of this life? Jesus told us to be as the deer, alert, watchful and in fellowship with the Father in prayer so as to be able to escape what is coming.
Luke 21:36 - Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Here we are exhorted to be watchful, aware and alert to the times and what is going on round about us. We are also instructed to pray; to be in communion with our Heavenly Father so as to be able to receive what He wants to reveal to us, or warn us about, or what action to take to avoid what things lie ahead. We are not to be complacent or presumptive but to be aggressively seeking Him and His guidance.
Take time out of your daily affairs, the cares of this life with its distractions, and have your private time of fellowship with Him in His Word and in prayer. We don’t seem to realize just how important this time with Him is. Remember, this is how Jesus was able to stay focused and not be distracted by this world. He is our example – follow Him!
