Ancient Words For Today - 1
Our church was holding services in a movie theater on Sunday mornings
before the movies started for the day. One week, during our
pastor's opening remarks, previews of coming attractions
concerning movies to be shown in the theater began to appear on
the big silver screen behind him. It was a distraction for a while
because the movie previews caught our eyes and the subject matter challenged
our curiosity. After a short time, I believe most of us were able to refocus on what the pastor was saying, blocking out the
distraction.
It is a fact that life is full of distractions which can draw our attention, take our thoughts captive and lead us away from thinking about and doing the things that really are important. When distractions and interruptions come, we need to evaluate them quickly, from God's point of view. It could be that
God is trying to get our attention (if we already are walking down the wrong
path) so that he can redirect us to the right path. Or it could be the
enemy (the devil) trying to divert us from following the right path. Or it
could be our old sinful nature lusting after the attractions of the world instead of following after Godly pursuits.
It is crucial that we evaluate all things through the light of God's word and then choose to follow that which is good and run from that which is evil. We
can choose to tune out ungodly distractions and thoughts and
avoid expending our energy and resources seeking after worthless
things. We can then refocus our minds on what is really important
and follow after that which is good.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
