We live in an age of distraction and it is kryptonite. Most people consider a distraction to be short in duration, a temporary loss of focus or attention. To the contrary, distractions can change the course of events and irreparably alter the future.
When we are distracted by a thing our full attention is drawn away to something else. We leave some one or some thing, we abandon where our focus was and turn away. In other words, we forsake where we were focused and become misdirected.
Social scientists will present data to explain distractions by using our attention spans as proof we are being distracted. Many identify cellular phones as a chief culprit behind the age of distraction we currently reside in. The reality is distractions have been around since the beginning of time.
The dead squirrel in the middle of the road may be more accurate of the effects of our current age of distraction. Distractions are not mere random events. Distraction can be a tool used by flesh and blood, powers and principalities…and spiritual forces of evil.
Don’t be distracted and forget Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The ideal environment, surrounded by perfection. Beauty to be seen, heard, smelled and felt. Companionship and fellowship provided. In a garden where every need was supplied how could you be distracted to focus on ONE tree?? Distraction is kryptonite. Distraction can be your Waterloo. Distraction can alter your future.
Distractions are rampant in 2025. Today, distractions go by other names like ‘false flags’ and ‘conspiracy theories’ but the result is the same. The old vernacular is less sterile, more impactful and colorful. The book of Numbers in the Old Testament recounts God telling the people of Israel to make a physical reminder of tassels to put on their clothes as a reminder to remember God’s commandments amidst forces that aim to distract. ‘When you look at these tassels you’ll remember….and not get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into infidelities….’ Numbers 15:37-41. Distractions lead to infidelity. Infidelity is also known as cheating or adultery.
The Bible constantly reminds us of the dangers of distractions. The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 shows the danger of distractions in everyday life. Legitimate chores to prepare for a dinner guest distracted from spending time with the guest (sound familiar?). We can get so busy and distracted with daily tasks that we neglect and forsake who and what is most important. What appears to be harmless in the moment may distract and alter the future.
Travel baseball on Sunday will distract from going to church. A Premier League soccer match, the Open golf tournament, a Gran Prix race and almost anything can distract from our pursuit of God. Toddlers screaming for a snack distract from a family mealtime where faith and values are transferred from one generation to the next. Your boss, your job, friends and family can distract. Start looking for what distracts YOU and it may be overwhelming. Recognize when and what you are being distracted FROM as well.
Distractions can be deceptions. Today, Israel and Iran lobbing bombs is distracting. Politicians changing positions and jockeying for approval ratings is a distraction. The list is almost endless but the key is to remember WHAT and WHO we are being distracted from. If a distraction takes you away from mindless scrolling on your phone it may be a good thing. ANYTHING and everything that distracts you from God, pursuing God, going to church and adding to your spiritual growth and maturity is kryptonite.
I could write forever about the things that are distracting me and others in 2025 but I’ll try to land the plane with this timely reminder. In Matthew 24:4-8, Jesus spoke to the end of time and the doomsday deceivers. “‘You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.'”
Over the past few years almost every church has taken time to focus on the book of Revelation and the return of Christ…because the signs point to it. The re-establishment of the Jewish State, red heifers shipped to Israel, the kings and armies of the east and the north represented through the proxy wars in the middle east. You don’t have to be a Biblical scholar to recognize current events recorded and prophesied in the Bible.
Many events are taking place that make the clock tick loudly for anyone who bothers to read the Bible. This is all a distraction from what matters most. Revelation 2:4-7 tells of a warning God gives to a group of ‘believers’ who have done great deeds for Him. They have worked hard and persevered amidst all the distractions and wickedness in the age they live in. BUT, God says these distractions are fatal because “‘You have forsaken your first love…Repent and do the things you did at first…He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'”
I am a poster child for being distracted by all happening in my world. This is the busiest season of my life with the most demands on my head and heart, but….I am convicted to NOT be distracted by people and events that draw me away from who and what matters most. I want to keep the first things, first.
Determine what IS most important to you. Take the time and don’t be distracted until you KNOW who and what you need to stay focused on. Then, I strongly encourage you to look for what distracts you from whatever is THE most important thing in your life.
Don’t let the kryptonite of distraction steal and kill you in this age of distraction. Protect your present and eternity from distraction.
Incredible read and most relevant to where i find myself . Great challenge to not fall victim to the distractions!
The thing about distractions is that they are so constant. So, same as for sinning, we must be constant to repent and change our ways. That’s so tough…to keep bringing our focus back to God. But, I love having His grace to welcome me back each time.