When Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthian believers, he was deeply concerned that they would be deceived and misled by Satan, and ultimately drift away from the “simplicity that is Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). This simplicity speaks of a singleness of focus that must be maintained by the believer who is committed to following after Christ. We cannot fall prey to the temptation to have our attention diverted from that which is important, to that which is insignificant.
How we today need to return to simplicity and singleness of purpose. Let us not become distracted by the things which do not matter and miss out on the things that have more value.
Question: What ways do you find yourself easily distracted from that which is important?
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Yes, you are right, pastor.I need to 'return' alright. But these other things tend to distract me. Way me down. Things like too much TV, politics, and sports. They keep me away from church, reading my Bible, and praying like I should. I worry about such things as, "What will we do if we have a swine flu epidemic and we have to close down our church for 10 days? What will we do on Sundays?" (see what I mean?)
ReplyDeleteRemember me in yours prayers, PLEASE!
Bob Evans, 8->
Being influenced by today's society we are hammered with "what about me", or what's in it for me", and so on. I loose focus when I start this same way of thinking. Like, "I've worked hard today so I am going to relax and watch TV" or some other leisure activity. I know that these things are ok if they are kept in their proper place. Anything that comes before God will only lead to hindrances within my own life as it pertains to 1) my relationship with God and 2) my relationship with my family.
ReplyDeleteI would say my main distraction is how busy life is and how by the time I get done just maintaining work, house, and keeping the kids alive, my brain is just on overload and by the time I sit down my brain is fried. I want to spend time reading my bible but I just can't hardly fit anymore in my head. I try to think of Martha though and sometimes that can pull me through. I remember Jesus telling her that Mary was doing what was important which was listening to him. Not that I feel angry with the busy days I love my life, God is great and I have desire just no energy.
ReplyDeleteFor yrs friends told me to get up early in the morning before everyone else and have my quiet time with God. I always argued that the time didn't matter. Now that I've tried it for the last few months, I've found that it really does,and what I thought I would dread, I now look forward to every morning. There's a verse in the bible that says "He wakens me in the morning and whispers things in my ears and tells me what to do." It's absolutely true! It sets the tone for the rest of the day.
ReplyDeleteBeing in college it's easy to fall into the societal norms of drinking, cursing, and all out rebellion against the law and upbringing of parents. What is seen by God as sin and rebellion is in every case "cool" to the world.
ReplyDeleteNearly every day I have to force words out of my mouth about my walk with Christ. Christians are not cool in the worlds eyes.
One of the simplest concepts that you (Pastor Kevin) have ever taught is that we as Christians are to focus on the ETERNAL and not the TEMPORAL. Our lives here are just a blink compared to what awaits us in eternity.
I know this is truth, but there is a difference believing and knowing. At what point to I, the college student, stop caring about what other college students think of me?
oldmannewspaper,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say you have to 'force words out of your mouth'. It never gets easy to talk about Jesus does it? Did not the Lord say somewhere that I would be persecuted, just like he was, when I stand up for him?
God bless you! For taking your part of the persecution we all should bare together!
I have a feeling Jesus will never let you down!
'Bob Evans' (down on the farm) 8-)