Distractions

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. —2 Timothy 2:4

“Distraction: A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. Extreme agitation of mind or emotions.”

How many times have we stopped – immobilized – coming to a standstill because of a distraction, excuse, or pretext that simply has no value at all? Why is it that we allow break room and water cooler conversations to destroy energy, momentum, and motion? Why do we allow a 10-cent opinion to hold up million-dollar progress, not only in the workplace but in church, our homes, and in everyday life?

Too many of us lose focus because of the “yeah buts.” Yeah, but what if we can’t afford it? Yeah, but what if no one shows up? Yeah, but what if no one listens? On and on the “yeah buts” go. What would happen if we removed the “but if,” and we kept on singing? We keep on praying! We keep on pushing, producing, training, coaching, teaching, and pastoring. What would the results be? Great success.

Paul encouraged a young minister at Ephesus, when you are in war, don’t get caught up in the break room, watercooler, kitchen meeting talk. Why? Timothy, you have been chosen, anointed, and filled with faith to accomplish something great. I say to you who are reading this: You have been hired, chosen, picked, and promoted to achieve something great.

Pastor, ignore all the doubters. Parishioners, ignore all the gossip. Laborers, ignore all the naysayers. Pay no attention to the whining. VP, CFO, and CEO: Don’t get caught up in unproductive distractions.

Our prayer for you this week: May you come to realize the values of staying out of the entanglement, being a good soldier and accomplishing the task.