Serve the Lord without Distraction

   “I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you.  I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” 1 Corinthians 7:35 NLT

   I was reading a news article about one of the richest men in the world, and I was shocked to hear him say that he doesn’t like to multitask.  He said that when he is reading his email, that’s all he wants to focus on, and he doesn’t allow distractions of any kind.

   I thought about how this man’s approach to life could apply to the Christian life.  The author of the book of Hebrews wrote about the proper focus of a believer, saying that we should always be “[Looking away from all that will DISTRACT us and] FOCUSING our eyes on Jesus,” in order to follow the Master’s example in every area of our lives. (Hebrews 12:2 AMP)  One of the best ways that we can sharpen our spiritual focus is to spend undistracted, unhurried time alone with God and His Word on a regular basis, listening for His voice, and responding in prayerful obedience.

   As believers, you and I MUST take distractions seriously.  And Jesus Himself gives us one reason why.  “The cares and anxieties of the world and DISTRACTIONS of the age…creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.” (Mark 4:19 AMP)  As powerful as the Word of God is, it will prove ineffective in an environment of fear, worry, and busyness. 

   I love how the Scripture says simply, “Serve the Lord without distraction.” (First Corinthians 7:35 NKJV)  When we follow this divine command, we will not only be closer to our Lord than we ever dreamed possible, but we will also reap untold rewards in our health, our finances, our social life, our career, our ministry – and in every other area of our lives!

   Lord, help me to sharpen my spiritual focus by spending undistracted, unhurried time alone with You and Your Word on a regular, consistent basis.  Teach me how to hear and to heed Your voice.  Remind me to cast my cares on You each day, so that I won’t live burdened and burned out.  Thank You that as I do whatever will help me to serve You best – with as few distractions as possible – You will pour out Your blessings upon me in full measure!

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