Undistracted Attention

Have you ever driven down the highway and notice someone reading a book while driving? Putting on make-up using the rear view mirror? Leaning back with a foot out the window?

They say that most motor vehicle accidents today are caused by distractions. Motorists who are talking on cell phones, listening to the radio (ipods, etc.), reading a book, a magazine or newspaper, sharing with other riders are not paying attention to the road or other motorists and find themselves off the road, crashed into other vehicles, running red lights or simply frustrating the rest of us who just want to get to our destinations safely and on time.

Distractions can keep us from our destination. Even the distractions of others can disrupt us!

The same is true with our spiritual lives, distractions hurt our growth, both personally and corporately (the church). Notice I didn't say that they can hurt our growth, but that they do! Any distraction keeps us from doing the very things we should do. They come from lots of sources, these distractions, temptations of our own mind and heart and from Satan, selfishness, spiritual immaturity, misunderstandings, lack of compassion or passion. Regardless the source, any distraction is dangerous, like the "Bird Flu" virus that many fear, a distraction can grow and spread and be deadly to unity, to fellowship, to ministry.

"My dear friends, this is now the second time I've written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles." (2 Peter 3:1-2, The Message)

Peter was writing to the church to remind them that the life Christ came to give away was not for us to keep to ourselves, but for us to give away. Our focused attention was to be on the very commission of Christ, "Go and make disciples."

I have to search myself carefully each day to see if I'm distracted by anything, to see if something is keeping me from doing what God wants. Some days it's like I'm talking on a cell phone, drinking a cup of coffee, eating a donut and steering with my knee, all the while singing out loud along with my favorite song. I'm sure of the destination but because of the distractions I can't see how to get there (or even if I'm on the right path). I work at refocusing myself daily.

I need to pay attention to Christ and keep focused on the goal, helping others to see him, too.

Put down the donut, keep your eyes on the road and we'll get there together.

Peace ><>
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