Distractions surround me. Facebook lures when I’m writing. The sun through the window beckons me outside when I should be cleaning house. And Steinmart seems to block my path when I’m out running errands.
Gospel Distractions
Unfortunately, many things also distract believers from what should be our primary focus. Church tradition, programs, and committees sometimes complicate the simple truth of the Gospel message. We get sidetracked from the issue of “first importance.”
This happened to the Christians in Corinth too. Full of sin and fractured by factions, this body of believers argued over which spiritual gifts were the greatest and too the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. They had allowed many things to distract them from the most important thing, so Paul reminded them:
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor 15:1-4, NIV
Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus on the cross
This is the heart of our faith and our only hope: Jesus crucified, buried, and resurrected. Without this message there is no need for church buildings, youth camp, or women’s ministry. If Jesus did not die for our sins and defeat death through resurrection, we might as well lock up the church doors and fire the pastor.
But, – praise God – we have a crucified and risen Savior! Everything we say, do, and live for should center on this truth of “first importance.”
What distracts you from the Gospel? How can we keep our focus on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?
The desires of my flesh distract me from the Gospel. When I fail to walk in the Spirit, I get distract very easily. Focusing on His Word daily and even throughout the day by getting scripture when I can helps me tremendously stay focused on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. My accountability partner is helping me stay focused there too. Most importantly, walking in the Spirit allows the Spirit to shape my thoughts and emotions to keep me focused there. I’m not able to do it without Him.
Kari, we all need to have “God reminders” throughout each day. I know I get caught up in the things of this physical world so much – meeting deadlines, cooking dinner, etc. – that it’s easy to push the greater spiritual reality to the back of my mind. I want to be constantly aware of God and what He has done for me!