Dangerous Distractions

What do we do about distractions?

There is timeless advice in the book of Hebrews to help us through these times. As followers of Jesus, we are sin averse. We know the danger of yielding to temptation and wandering into sin. However, in living in the real world we often become blind to other dangers that hurt our spiritual health and witness.

The writer to the Hebrews calls them “weight.” Here’s what is written.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)

These words follow the great faith chapter, and the witnesses are those heroes of the faith who inspire us to continue to believe in God and his plan for us despite temporary setbacks and difficulties.

So, what is this weight that holds us back? This weight is the distractions of life!

The picture that is painted for us is one of a runner. Anyone who has ever seen runners know that they dress lightly so they can excel. You never see a runner at a track meet competing with a loaded backpack or four bags of groceries!  I want to use these two things as examples because clearly there is a place for a loaded backpack and four bags of groceries. So, the things that I will highlight as weights are not necessarily wrong but can become hindrances and distractions to us in our effort to follow Jesus on the trail he has blazed for us.

Keep in mind, also, that we are to walk in the Spirit not in the flesh. These distractions or weights often keep us from that walk in the Spirit. Here’s our reminder:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 (ESV)

Here are some weights that I have observed hurting people in their spiritual walk. They often stunt spiritual growth and sometimes completely derail a person’s spiritual walk. They are frequently the sole reason people fail to thrive spiritually.

Family and Friends

Family and friends are a distinct blessing in our lives. They can be distractions, however, when their demands crowd out spiritual time. When large extended families expect 100 per cent attendance at birthday parties, camping trips, anniversary parties and other family events that often occur on weekends, it means that people miss out on the worship and fellowship that is indispensable to spiritual health.

Often, the justification used is that it is only one weekend. But that’s just not true. These things invariably happen on multiple occasions throughout the year and have frequently taken families out of church on a permanent basis. Worship and fellowship are essential to spiritual health and growth. They should never be optional or attended only when it is convenient. This means you must make hard choices and commit to only attending family events when they don’t conflict with worship attendance. There are 168 hours in each week. Worship requires about two or three of those hours. Surely, family events can be scheduled in the other 165 hours!

Family and friends can be distractions. Don’t neglect them but don’t let them derail your spiritual health! 

Sports and Entertainment

I love sports. I enjoy watching almost any game, including golf! We can now get sports any time we have access to an electronic device. You know where I am going with this.

I tend to get emotionally involved with the teams I like. Sometimes, that brings out the worst in me. So, I have intentionally cut myself off from a lot of what I love. A bad result can ruin my day and that should not happen.

Intense interest (or obsession) in sports and entertainment can warp any kind of balance in our lives. Too much of these things may alter our worldview into something less Christian and more worldly. Often the values extolled in sports and entertainment are at odds with the values of a follower of Jesus. At the very least they can become emotional distractions from a healthy spiritual life.

We don’t need to fully withdraw from the world, but we must be careful to enjoy the entertainment and sports world with great moderation.

Politics

I have witnessed numerous followers of Jesus say very unchristlike things about and to people who don’t agree with their political point of view. It seems like love goes out the window when we begin to engage in politics.

When we have the freedom to engage in the political process, and I recognize that not all of you have that freedom, we should do so with respect for those who disagree with us, particularly fellow followers of Jesus. In many places in the world, politics is mixed with virtually every aspect of life. There are undertones of politics in everything it seems, from public health to music to the environment.

When we mix politics with our faith, it inevitably becomes about politics. That is unhealthy. When our devotion to a political party or a politician means we compromise what we believe or who we are as followers of Jesus, then that devotion requires a complete overhaul. It’s easy to think that the right politician or political party will save the country, but we must remember that only Christ can change a heart.

When our politics alienate someone who needs Jesus, our witness becomes impotent. It is truly time for us to reinvigorate our faith and belief that God is the answer to all our problems. If we busy ourselves with the great commission and make disciples of Jesus it will make a far greater difference to our culture than all of our screaming on social media. Disciple making is more powerful and more transformational than our vote as well. But, if you can, vote. It does matter.

Finally

We don’t need to fully withdraw from the things that enrich our lives, but we must be honest enough with ourselves to evaluate whether these things are compromising our walk with Jesus. The Pharisees and Sadducees totally missed the reality of Jesus as the Messiah because they carried the self-imposed weight of tradition and political expediency in their lives.

Please, get rid of the weight that is encumbering you so you can run the race with endurance! With God’s help you can do it!