Distraction: the drawing away of the mind, something that serves as a diversion or entertainment, an interruption; an obstacle to concentration. That which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration.

Why is it so easy for us to become caught up in the latest trend, the latest drama that is in the media, or the newest gadget? Who decides what we should chase after next, what are chasing and why? The answer is Distractions!

Even as I was writing this blog I became distracted with what was going on in social media. Then I realized my main objective, which is to speak about distractions. It is so easy to get pulled into things that have no benefit to us because it appeals to our lustful vision.

“The Eyes are the window to your soul” William Shakespeare

The enemy uses what we see as a distraction to keep us from what we need to see, but it doesn’t just keep us from seeing, it keeps us from the work we should be doing. Television use to be the greatest culprit when it comes to distractions, but now the internet has taken over the number one spot. It uses subtlety as its format, something as simple as a cat playing the piano can send you on a wild goose chase of mindless deceptions.

What began as simple research can become blindsided by pop-ups of  beautiful women, cars, or gadgets that may seem necessary at the time, but are there just to shift our focus from the task at hand. I remember losing endless hours just watching videos on Youtube, WorldStar, or Facebook only to find myself scrambling to get an assignment done on time. This is not to say there isn’t anything good or useful on the internet, but even useful information can become a distraction.

Ask yourself, “how much time do I spend watching television or on the internet?” Is what I am taking in edifying my Spirit or my Soul, or is it keeping me in Bondage? Is it worthy of my attention? Is it true?

God is given us assignments, but the enemy seeks to keep us from our task by using deceitful distractions. Distractions take away from our abilities to be good husbands/wives, good fathers/mothers or good children. Our focus becomes about what we see, and not what we should be doing. It changes our perception of who our spouses are, who our children are, and who we are.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11

Satan knows that God has chosen us to be a help to the world, and he will do everything he can to distract us from our purpose by using any means necessary. Distraction is his best weapon because it’s subtle in its purpose. The serpent distracted Eve by having her focus on one tree, which made her blind to the Glory of the Creation that surrounded her. David was distracted by Bathsheba and it caused him to become a murder and an adulterer. Joseph’s brothers were distracted by a dream, which cause them to sell their brother into bondage. Distractions keep us from seeing the True picture.

What’s your distraction, and what’s trying to keep you from the task God has given you?