“And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.” (1 Corinthians 7:35 NKJV)
As I was putting the vacuum cleaner away, I noticed the retractable cord was not retracting as it should. It went so far and then came to a halt leaving several feet of cord still laying on the floor. I gave it a little jerk and stepped on the rewind button again, but nothing happened. I went to check out what was going on. It turned out that a little grey cat, named Earl Grey had discovered this moving cord to be a great distraction for him as he held it tightly between his little paws.
Todays Scripture, written by the apostle Paul is part of a message on the subject of marriage. He was warning believers that though marriage could be a good and wonderful thing, it could also be a distraction to them as regards serving the Lord with an undivided heart. Paul was wise enough to understand that not all distractions are sinful, for almost any good thing in our lives can become a distraction that can displace God from His rightful place: First place.
Hobbies, friends, children, television, books, technology, money and much more can easily consume our time and energy. What started out as a good thing, becomes a distraction in our spiritual lives. Prayer time is set aside. Corporate worship gives way to that sport’s event that is being aired live. Reading and study give way to more interesting things. God get’s 60 seconds of our time before we go to sleep at night, after spending two hours playing games on our iPad, and so the scenario goes. The good things of this world can infringe upon our relationship with the Lord, often before we know what has even happened. As one person has penned “When the enemy sends distractions, they never look like distractions until they are finished distracting you.” While another gives this wisdom: “If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will distract you.” (Unknown authors taken from Bible Reasons site)
Earl likes to grab hold of my vacuum cleaner cord. It is a fun distraction for him, but distractions that displace our Heavenly Father in our lives don’t leave us entertained for very long. Instead, they bring about a disruption in the closeness of our walk with Christ and the Holy Spirit. Pretty soon we are not hearing that still small voice of wisdom, assurance, direction and comfort. God seems farther away than He once was. We wonder whether He even cares. Worry and fears begin to creep in as our minds focus more on them than on the One who is able to calm them and give us peace and rest amidst our daily struggles. One, whom we have been drawn away from but who is patiently and quietly waiting for our return. For as James as well as the Psalmist has said: Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8 & Psalm 145:18)
Who or what are we drawing near to today? Something to think about.
Prayer: Father God, You and You alone deserve first place in our lives. Grant us wisdom and strength to keep our lives centred upon You amidst all the good as well as evil distractions this life sets before us. Let us walk whole heartedly with Jesus each and every day always drawing closer to You. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada