My pastor once told me “Anything that pulls you away from God, is NOT God.” It is a simple yet profound statement of truth. At that time I had taken a job opportunity that was interfering with my ministry responsibilities and eventually, I and my family were completely out of church. My seeking of worldly success led me astray. It wasn’t wrong for me to want better things for our family but it was wrong for me to allow anything to come between me and God. Years passed and while I did have financial success it became the very thing that broke our hearts. I would say to you today, please be careful. Anything that draws us away from God is not God! As you know as believers, our fast-paced world makes it difficult to find moments of stillness and connection with the divine. The essence of this challenge lies in recognizing that anything pulling us away from God is, by its nature, not aligned with His presence.
The Priority
The Bible, in Matthew 6:33 (ESV), emphasizes the importance of seeking God first, stating, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse sets the foundation for understanding that our priorities should revolve around God and His righteousness.
In today’s digital age, distractions are abundant. The constant barrage of information, social media, and worldly pursuits can easily divert our attention from the spiritual path. Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV) guides us, saying, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” This scripture reminds us to stay focused on the righteous path and avoid being led astray.
The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:2 (ESV), reinforces the notion of keeping our minds centered on God: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This verse challenges us to rise above worldly distractions and fix our thoughts on heavenly matters.
The Pull
James 1:14 (ESV): “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Think about this for a moment. The pull is from within and from without. Don’t trust your heart, trust God’s word. If it doesn’t line up to His word it is not God. If it goes against His principles, it is not God. If it is a gray area, then seek wisdom and guidance. The Spirit will always lead you into truth.
In a world filled with diversions, it’s crucial to discern what aligns with God’s will and what doesn’t. James 4:8 (ESV) encourages us to draw near to God: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Recognizing and eliminating distractions that lead us away from Him creates space for a deeper connection with the divine.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us constantly evaluate our choices, ensuring that each decision draws us closer to God rather than pulling us away. May our hearts remain steadfast, seeking His kingdom above all else.
Draw near today and don’t pull away. That thing that is so tempting is likely a pull in the wrong direction. Remember the enemy is an expert at transforming things into “light.” Be certain that your decisions align with God’s will for your life and remember, “If it draws you away from God, it is NOT God.”