Dealing with Distractions

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

I really love this passage of Scripture.  I love that the author, John, doesn’t beat around the bush.  He gets straight to the point.  I love that!  I learn best from those who get straight to the point.  I have a difficult time with people who beat around the bush, so I can really appreciate John’s straight forward approach to life.

My husband and I have decided to apply this passage of Scripture to our own lives.  During the month of June, we have decided to keep the tv off.  It will not be a distraction for us this month.  We want to take time to recognize that it can be a distraction for us and often it takes away from the quality of life that we so desire to share with each other.  It’s been great to keep the tv off.  We have been a little more creative with our time.  We have spent more time talking, more time enjoying the outdoors, more time reading, studying, and playing games.  It’s been nice to have a vacation away from the distracting noise of the tv.

The main reason we are doing this is to focus on cleansing our minds.  We both want to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).  We want to empty ourselves of this world’s standards.  We want more of God.  We want to live lives that are pleasing to God and show that we value the time we have been given.

Is there something in your life that distracts you from spending quality time with those you care about?  Is there something in your life that distracts you from quality time with God?  Take time this week to seriously look at the distractions in your life and ask God to help you remove them.  Let’s draw near to God and watch what He can do when we are fully surrendered to His purpose.  May the world and its desires slowly fade from view, as we focus on Christ and all that He has for us.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you…” (James 4:7-8)

Please take a break from your distractions this week and draw near to God.  Find out what’s waiting for you, as you boldly approach the throne of grace!

Dear Father God, I pray that You will help me to identify the many distractions in my life.  Please show me where I am wasting my time and not completely living my life for Your glory.  I pray that this world and its desires will slowly fade from my view, as I focus in all that You have for me.

Forever Loving Your Ways,