Distractions

“…that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.” — 1 Corinthians 7:35

Our devotional text comes from the context of Paul’s instructions concerning the advisability of marriage.  Paul’s advice is simple—If it is possible to remain unmarried, a Christian should stay single. Paul’s reasoning is the unmarried believer can devote 100% of his time and energy to the work of God.  His opportunities to serve God are not limited by the responsibilities of married life (1 Cor. 7:32-34).

Paul could never have accomplished what he did for the Lord if he were married.  The domestic duties that come with marriage may be a distraction at times from doing something for the Lord.  In the parable of the great supper, one man who was invited excused himself saying, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come” (Luke 14:20).

There are somethings in life that require our undivided attention.  For example, the distraction of a cell phone while driving a car has ended in many traffic collisions.  Peter walking upon the water ended abruptly when he was distracted by the winds and the waves.

The distractions the world offers are endless—Television? Music? Sports? Friends? School? A book? The internet? Games? A career?  While some of these things may be legitimate, we must beware that they do not distract our focus away from Christ.  Satan will use whatever he can to divert our attention away from God?

Has something sidetracked you away from following Christ? What is distracting you from doing all you can for the Lord?