Before 2020 how many of us were truly focused on Christ? I don’t mean being a Sunday Christian, or a Christmas Christian, when I ask that question. By asking that question, I mean how many of us chose church over fishing on a Sunday, or bible study over the sports game on that night, or blessing a Christian charity instead of over spending at a place like Disneyland. Or, how many of us spend hours online looking at social media, or spending time in forums, but only give a few minutes a day to reading the Bible?
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Mat 22:37 NKJV]
Distraction is huge in the realm of evil because it takes our mind off of Christ. We can’t love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind when our focus isn’t on the Lord. The devil has had 6000 years to perfect his ability to distract us. He knows exactly where to put our focus so we don’t think about Christ. I’ll be the first to admit that I made up all sorts of excuses for not doing something for Christ so I could go have fun instead. It doesn’t mean I didn’t stop believing in Christ, but I was more into the world than into Christ and my heavenly home.
Last year, 2020, made me slow down. It made me take my focus off the pleasures and put my focus back on to Christ. The pastors I follow on a regular basis all said that they believe that was part of the purpose of what we went through and are still going through. God took what the devil planned for evil and used it for good. God is always in control. As the time of Christ’s return for the Church draws closer, God will allow events to happen that will make us long for our heavenly home.
This year is looking to be similar or worse than last year with evil raising its head and encompassing our world. I know I’ll continue to struggle with distractions, as evil will not give up as long as I’m still on this earth in my earthly body. However, I can make a choice, and ask God for strength, to combat the distractions. By choosing to focus fully on Christ, I will continue to grow stronger.
Dear Jesus:
Forgive me. You are mighty and powerful and deserving of my focus and I haven’t given it to you. I’ve squandered the time you have given me here in my earthly body. I squandered away time I could have been focusing on you and doing your work, sharing the Gospel. Help me, Lord Jesus, to focus on you. Give me wisdom to see when evil is trying to distract me so I can turn to you for your strength. Only with your strength can I fight the distractions. My human mind is not capable without you. You alone are worthy. You alone are worthy of all my attention.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Rom 12:2 NKJV
