What Distraction Keeps You From God?

In this blog post, we'll discuss the distraction that can often keep us away from God and hinder our spiritual growth.

They come in various forms, and sometimes we may not even realize that we have allowed them into our lives. Today, let's explore some common ones mentioned in Proverbs 13:25 and how they can occupy the majority of our time.

One that many people struggle with is overeating or using food as a source of comfort or boredom. Another common distraction is excessive shopping. We live in an era where convenient online shopping platforms like Amazon make it easy to indulge in buying unnecessary items. Binge-watching TV shows has also become a prevalent distractor in today's society.

However, these are not exclusive to true Christians or automatically acquired upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. They are choices we make individually based on our desires and habits.

The verse from Proverbs 13:25 states, "The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want." While this verse seems focused on food at first glance, it actually goes deeper than that. It addresses the things that occupy most of our time.

For example, food may be one person's issue while another person may find themselves consumed by endless online shopping on Amazon. Additionally, binge-watching TV shows can easily take up hours upon hours of valuable time.

When these consume us excessively or become obsessions, they prevent us from focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God. The ungodly are driven by their own desires and cravings without finding satisfaction because their goal becomes insatiable greed for more.

As Christians, we are called to seek wisdom and find satisfaction in God's presence rather than worldly things. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom that can guide us in making wise choices. By renewing our minds through the Word of God and aligning our priorities with His will, we can break free from these distractions and live a fulfilling life.

Recognizing the signs of distraction from God's will is crucial. Some red flags include feeling pressure to compromise, experiencing burnout, having broken relationships due to conflicting opinions or methods, prideful behavior, or feeling ashamed about our actions.

To overcome these and refocus on God's purpose for us, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). This means surrendering our desires and allowing God to transform us into new creations.

In order to determine if something is a distraction or part of God's plan for us, we can ask ourselves a few questions:

1. What does this cost in terms of my time or resources? Do I need to prioritize or let go of certain things?
2. Who benefits from my involvement? Does it glorify God?
3. Where will this decision lead me in the future? Will it bring me closer or further away from living a life aligned with God's will?

By seeking discernment through prayer and aligning ourselves with Scripture, we can avoid distractions that hinder spiritual growth.

Remember that time is short, and as believers in Christ, it's important that we wholeheartedly pursue a closer walk with Him while balancing our responsibilities in this world. Find community within a church where you can find guidance and support on your journey towards spiritual growth.

May you be encouraged by this message today as you seek to live a life free from distractions! Share this post with others who might benefit from its insights.

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Finally, let's remember that our ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment can only be found in God. Open your Bibles, study His Word, and allow His wisdom to guide you on this incredible journey of faith.

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