Entertainment today is just a click away for our amusement. With the various kinds of media we are exposed to, it's hard to control the content that we consume. At work, home or wherever we are, these forms of entertainment can take our mind off what matters most at that moment.
Distractions are everywhere today and some of them can be harmless, but many of them can be harmful, taking our minds off meaningful work, relationships, values and principles. How do we deal with such distractions?
This is what Jesus actually taught in Matthew 5:29-30 "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
No, Jesus was not for self-mutilation and sadomasochism. He was completely for focus and the need to remove things in our lives that inhibit growth and prohibit purpose. What are the figurative "eyes and hands" that needs to be removed today for you to become more effective at work, at home or in your ministry?
When dealing with distractions, there's one obvious and necessary action you must take: get rid of what distracts you. There's no need to complicate things and make it appear like rocket science. This became very real for me when I made the decision to cut the wifi at home. It had obviously invaded all forms of meaningful connections and as the head of the home, I knew what needed to be done. Goodbye internet service provider.
Am I saying that all houses should not have internet? No. Such logic is what gets people chopping off hands when we read Matthew 5:29-30. What that means is that what distracts you is what has to go, whether it's internet, relationships, habits or mindsets and the way that is "cut-off" is whatever way applies to you best.
Let us have the same focus Paul had when he wrote Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." When faced with distractions, will you remain entranced or will you cut them off and press on? The way you deal with distractions will heavily determine how much of what God wants to happen in your life today will actually come to pass.
