I want to live a life I don’t need to be distracted from.

In the age we are living in, we are blessed with a considerable amount of conveniences. One of these conveniences is the quality and diversity of our entertainment. This is not a negative thing. In fact, it’s something we can be thankful for. So we can take time to appreciate the one who gives us every good and perfect gift, sometimes we need to give up good things (James 1:17). It can even feel like giving up something you love. God doesn’t want you to be miserable, but it is a matter of principle. We must deny ourselves and recognize that even small things, like enjoying a good show, can get in the way of something more important.

I have many favorite shows, and often, they can have major characters that talk like an unsaved person, or make the literal worst decisions possible. Sometimes, I find myself yelling at the screen trying to get them to reconsider. But, what if God looks at us like this? What if God sees us on our phone or our couch for hours and is yelling, “Just get up!” or “Don’t watch that — those characters are miserable.” I know if He is saying that to me, there are times I happen to agree with him. There are days I spend too much time lazing around when God is trying to get my attention. Rest is important, but excessive entertainment is really a distraction.

I don’t know about you, but I want to live a life I don’t need to be distracted from. If we take the time we used to spend on television, gaming, and social media, and focus on God, we would be so much happier (John 10:10). In fact, we might be shocked practically what all we can accomplish in a few days without these distractions. We remember it is a sacrifice, believe it will make a difference, and stay motivated to keep going through with it. It will work!

Scripture promises you and I that when we make these sacrifices, God will honor them and respond to us. By clearing out an evening at home and spending that time in prayer, you can see God respond to your sacrifice and bring peace into your life:

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Luke 11:9-10 ESV

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

PRAYER:

Lord, as I step away from things that I enjoy, to know You better, help me. Give me strength as I run after You and seek You. Help me know you more than I ever have before. Show me how You are better than these things I enjoy. Bring results in my life from this fast, and give me a new and fresh perspective on who You are and who I am. Help me lay aside the distractions and weights in my life that I don’t even see- things that turn my attention away from what is really important.

Written By: Kayla and Matthew Foley

Categorised in: Uncategorized

This post was written by Neo Church