Clearing Distractions

In our previous devotions, we saw the need to cut away the entanglement of sin. What other things might we find ourselves easily entangled in?

In Luke 22:34–36, Jesus warns, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Carousing and drunkenness are obvious manifestations of indulging in the pleasures of life. But drunkenness is also one way some people deal with the stresses of life. Thus, besides being easily entangled in sin, the stresses and anxieties of life are where we might often find ourselves entangled in too. It may be the stress of trying to get our kids through their home-based learning program. It may be the anxiety of putting food on the table.

If we have been Christians long enough, continually transformed by the grace of God, indulging in sin may not be the big issue but perhaps the anxieties of life may continue to entrap us.

2 Tim 2:4 reminds us to be single-minded in our effort to please Jesus, our Lord and commanding officer. Beware any distractions – however legitimate – which may take our eyes off Jesus.

One good way to be less anxious about life is to live a life of simplicity. The fewer possessions we have, for example, means we have less to fret about. The more worldly pleasures in life we choose to forsake, the easier it is to set our minds on things above. May you take the remainder of this time to learn to de-clutter and live a simpler life. Store up your treasures in heaven, not on earth.