A pedestrian is startled as a car screeches to an abrupt halt—just inches from his body. He lifts his head and thumbs from his glowing smartphone screen, scowls at the driver, and keeps walking. This scene plays out every day somewhere in the world. Texting walkers are the latest concern—doing something called wexting.
Wexters or pedtextrians, according to Silicon Valley technology forecaster Paul Saffo, can be potent weapons of mass distraction. Walking and texting simply don’t mix well.
In a similar way, our “walk” as believers in Jesus requires less distractions and more focus. Paul reminded the Ephesian believers of this truth in his letter to them. Having discussed the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:1-14), he then instructed the Ephesians to walk in a new way of life—making “the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). Living a Christ-enlightened life was difficult because Ephesus was filled with all kinds of tempting distractions. So Paul warned them to live carefully. He knew they needed to pay close attention to each step taken in the midst of an ungodly culture. Not to do so would be foolish. To be more focused and less distracted, their conduct was to be rooted in wisdom and controlled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15,18).
Pervasive distractions make it extremely difficult for us to live a Christ-honoring life, even when we want to. But we can find sure footing by following the Scriptures and the leading of the Holy Spirit and by asking God to give us spiritual wisdom for each step we take. By His guidance, we can live in a way that pleases Him and produce good fruit, be less distracted by the world, and grow to know and love Him better.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Romans 5:1-11
More:
Read Proverbs 4:11-12. What can keep us from being distracted and stumbling?
Next:
What are some distractions that keep you from walking carefully with Jesus? For what challenge do you need to seek God’s wisdom today?
Gary Shultz on November 20, 2016 at 6:32 am
Hi Marvin, You have dialed in on a growing phenomenon which has been going on in America for a long time. Distractions, I some times wonder who is really blessed, we who have much, or those that live a simpler life with much less distraction. To me topping off the day with these devotionals, scripture, and prayer are great ways to implant God’s thoughts into our hearts and minds for the day. I also like to review what is most distracting in my life and begin a plan to smother that item. I feel if we don’t make a good action plan we keep stumbling each time. I know you are completely aware that anything that gets between us and God has derailed any walk in the Spirit. That walk is what we desperately need to survive the call to distractions. We can not afford to live life without a God based plan as to what we will do when the distractions of this world pull us off our path. Thanks Marvin
sim jing ying on November 20, 2016 at 9:51 am
The biggest distractions at bay will be materialistic things but that is under control. The challenge that I need to ask for God’s wisdom would be a productive day everyday.
sandy229 on November 20, 2016 at 10:37 am
Hi Marvin, Gary is so right, you have dialed in on a growing phenomenon which has been going on everywhere for a long time. You also brought up 2 words I never heard of before, wexting, Wexters, pedtextrians, okay, maybe 3, even my spell check is troubled by these words. I see this happening all the time, especially with that game people are playing only makes it worse. This causes even more distractions.
I would say that some of the distractions that keep me from a careful walk with Jesus, are when I get lazy, and don’t spend time in His Word, or if I put things off, things I know I should be doing but don’t do them.
We shouldn’t be distracted by anything that takes our eyes and mind off Christ our Redeemer.
Therefore, we should live in Christ’s love. Let our life be a fragrant aroma of worship to the Lord. Live as light. Walk in goodness, righteousness and truth. Seek to understand God’s will for our life. Be careful to live wisely, making the most of the time and opportunities we have.
Growing in godliness means learning to live a life that honors God and follows the example of Christ, so we should live in such a way that our life will be a fragrant offering, pleasing to the Lord.
joycemb on November 20, 2016 at 1:23 pm
Interesting Marvin. I’m thinking if we walk by faith, and not by sight as scripture says we even pay less attention to the device in our hands. That is a challenge in todays world of instant communication. And some jobs even require constant availability. What to do? The distractions are more numerous than ever. I don’t work but am drawn to distraction every day just to stay involved with others, either with tv or internet, being single and alone. I know I have lots of time now to pray, meditate and study, but the distractions are too real and I need to discipline myself better. Thank you for this thought provoking post.