Distractions

Have you ever wondered why you’re not as far as you’d like to be spiritually? Do you feel spiritually the same in 2017 as you did at the start of 2016? Have you ever blamed children, church, career, complex sermons, business for being the reason you are not growing spiritually? If you are like me, you have asked these questions or made excuses for why you’re not growing spiritually.

I think the reason many don’t feel they are growing spiritually is because they are distracted. Do a small-scale case study on yourself and count the number of times you’re interrupted during the day- all phone calls, emails, Facebook alerts, Twitter notifications, people at work, etc.

It’s hard to remain focused on the work in front of you- especially when it’s something that requires commitment and all your attention. When I’m distracted, I lose my train of thought and can’t get any work done. That is why I stay home every Tuesday to study, research, and prepare messages. I have no interruptions.

Dr. Gloria Mark, a University of California Associate Professor, found that workers are interrupted every 3 minutes, or 23 times per hour! And when you’re interrupted, it takes 23 minutes to get back into the groove.

When it comes to spiritual habits, I believe the same concept of this study above affects us. We get distracted and lose our effectiveness. Simplify your life by minimizing the distractions. What would this look like spiritually?

First, be prepared. Take care of any physical need before you spend time alone with God. Grab your Bible and notepad, decide what you’re going to do with your electronic devices, and if you want drinks or snacks. Have everything you need within reach so you don’t have to keep getting up to get it.

Second, pray. Before you begin your time with God, it’s important to prepare your heart, mind, and soul. Otherwise your mind will stray and you start to think about other matters. Pray: ‘Lord, help me to focus on You for the next few minutes.’

Third, go off-grid. Turn off email alerts, set your phone to go straight to voicemail, create an auto response to text messages you receive saying ‘in the middle of something; I’ll get back to your later.’ Block out the time on your calendar; for some that might be early in the morning, for others late at night.

Eliminating distractions is like any other skill-- the more you practice it, the better you get. Stick with it and you will improve. You will.

Blessings,

 Pastor Mark

P.S. Want to be spiritually fit for life? Desire to be more godly? Want some practical helps to become more spiritual? If so, come this Sunday at 9:15 or 11:00. Bring a friend with you.