Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith continually, day by day, in a world that often pulls us in different directions. Scripture provides clear instructions for how we should focus on our relationship with God and His work, but distractions can easily lead us away from this calling. At times we all live as if we unlimited time to accomplish our God given work. We focus on the things of this world and allow the cares of this life to distract us from the eternal. Below, we’ll look at 10 key biblical instructions for Christians to follow consistently, some common distractions, and three ways to overcome them.
Ten Imperatives Christians Are Given In Scripture
- Pray Continually Paul exhorts us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” A life of continual prayer keeps us connected to God and aligned with His will.
- Rejoice Always In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Paul also instructs us to “rejoice always.” Joy in the Lord should be a constant state of heart, no matter our circumstances.
- Give Thanks in All Circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude, no matter what we face, keeps our focus on God’s goodness.
- Meditate on God’s Word In Joshua 1:8, we are told to meditate on God’s Word day and night. Regular reflection on Scripture strengthens our hearts and minds in the Lord.
- Seek the Kingdom of God Matthew 6:33 instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This should be our primary focus above all else.
- Walk in the Spirit In Galatians 5:16, Paul says, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” A life led by the Holy Spirit helps us avoid sin and distractions.
- Encourage One Another Daily Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to “encourage one another every day,” helping each other remain steadfast in faith.
- Bear Fruit in Every Good Work Colossians 1:10 instructs us to “bear fruit in every good work.” Consistently doing good works for the Lord brings glory to Him and grows our spiritual fruit.
- Offer Continuous Praise to God In Hebrews 13:15, we are encouraged to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” A heart of worship should be ongoing, not reserved for specific moments.
- Love One Another John 13:34 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.” Love should be a constant practice in the life of a believer.
Distractions That Hinder Us
While these instructions are clearly evidence of the life of a devoted follower of Chris, distractions often get in the way of consistently living them out. Here are three common distractions:
- Busyness: In a fast-paced world, we often fill our lives with activities, jobs, and commitments that leave little time for prayer, study, or even reflection on God. Add to this social media and worldly entertainment and we allow ourselves to be robbed of our most precious resource, time. A God given gift that we are to steward.
- Worldly Desires: The lure of material success, comfort, or pleasure can take priority over the things of God. As Matthew 6:24 reminds us, we cannot serve two masters. Building bigger barns that are filled with things that will be left here when we die is not a eternally worthy goal. It has been said often that there are no U-haul trailers behind hearses. As a minister I have never seen an epitaph on a grave stone or heard a deathbed testimony stating “I wish I had worked more for material wealth.
- Worry and Fear: Life’s difficulties can cause us to lose focus on God and become consumed by anxiety or fear, drawing our attention away from trust in God’s provision and promises. We can find ourselves frozen and stuck in situations that can continue for decades. Thinking that somehow we are in control of our futures. Failing to trust God with our tomorrow’s. I remember a song from many years ago that says “Don’t worry about tomorrow friend, God’s already there.” We certainly do not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow.
3 Ways to Overcome Distractions
- Set Your Mind on Things Above Colossians 3:2 instructs us to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” By intentionally focusing our thoughts on God’s kingdom and His eternal purposes, we can avoid being distracted by temporary, worldly concerns. We must focus our attention and learn to say no to things that do not honor God. Each time we say no to distraction and temptation we grow stronger in our faith.
- Daily Devotion Make time each day for prayer, Bible study, and reflection on God’s Word. This aligns with Joshua 1:8, where God calls us to meditate on His Word day and night. Daily devotion creates consistency and trains our hearts to prioritize God.
- Trust in God’s Provision Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Trusting in God’s provision and control can help alleviate worry and fear, which often distract us from God’s work. How many times has worry caused us to lose focus and overreact? Perfect love will intfact cast out fear.
By embracing these biblical instructions and recognizing the distractions that pull us away from them, we can make intentional efforts to focus on God’s calling in our lives. Remember, through prayer, meditation on His Word, and trust in Him, we can continually abound in the work of the Lord. Stay steadfast, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Stay focused, stay disciplined, and continue the work God has prepared for you.
Just say no to self, society, sin, and satan. And say yes to the Savior, Jesus Christ.