PUT OUT THE FIRE OF DISTRACTION
We are part of God’s bucket brigade to pass the water of the Word to those on the front lines in India. They and we here as well, must put out the fires Satan starts in his attempts to destroy God’s work. He tries to get people to deny his existence. He also tries to deceive us into thinking he is weaker than he really is (denial) or stronger than he is (deception). Another trick he uses is distraction.
We may be well educated about what Satan and demons can and cannot do. We aren’t fooled by him and understand spiritual warfare. For us, then, he uses distractions. He works to get us busy so we focus on other things. We are involved in earning a living and caring for our family. We have obligations and responsibilities. Pastors and church leaders become especially busy. It’s not bad things we are doing; they are all good, worthy activities. But they keep us so busy we neglect time in the Word, we rush our prayers, we don’t have time for godly fellowship and mutual encouragement. Our time connecting with God becomes less and less each day. Satan is just as pleased when we are distracted as when we deny him or are deceived by him. We are just as vulnerable to defeat, too.
We need the water of the Word to counter the fire of distraction as well. First, we must recognize when this happens to us. We often equate busy-ness with holiness, but they are far different. God’s Word tells us to have godly priorities (Luke 12:29-31; Matthew 6:33, 19). We are to put God and our relationship with Him first (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 6:24; 22:37-38). What is most important is what we do for eternity, not what we do in this life for we will leave all this (Matthew 6:19; Luke 10:38-42). Don’t get so busy doing what is good that you miss what is best!
Luke 12:29-31 “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.“
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
How are your priorities in life? What would God say about your priorities? Where can you make improvement? Write down some plans right now about how to improve your priorities.
For more information on the subject of spiritual warfare go to SW.ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or email me at jerry@schmoyer.net and I’ll send you a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook.