Driving a car requires our full attention. Even small distractions – like changing the radio station – can cause us to drift across the line into the path of oncoming traffic. Following Christ requires our full, focused attention too. Otherwise we are in danger of drifting away from walking in complete obedience to Him. Even a slight deviation can bring disastrous results.
The author of Hebrews issues this warning to his readers in Hebrews 2:1-4.
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
In chapter one, the author proved through Old Testament Scripture the superiority of Christ over the prophets and angels. His Jewish readers were tempted to turn away from Christ and His superior message to return to an inferior – but easier – way. If they drifted away they would face God’s discipline.
We will also face consequences if we drift away. Unlike these first century Jewish Christians, persecution does not tempt me to compromise my obedience. However, the busyness of our culture, the harried pace of my lifestyle, does tempt me to compromise my obedience. Busy days tempt me to short my time with God. A full calendar calls me to “get on with my day” and rush through my morning quiet time.
What about you? What is it in your life that distracts you from giving God your full attention? In what areas do you find yourself drifting away, even slightly?
My mornings are rushed sometimes, especially if I get to bed a little later than usual. Although I have daily quiet time, I am not very consistent in my prayer life. Oh, I pray, but they are more rushed and throughout the day.
Iris, as you read, I sometimes struggle with the same thing. I have had to set some boundaries for myself in the morning so my time with God will be the priority.
As much as I hate to admit it…the computer often distracts me from a more satisfying quiet time with the Lord. I will check my mail, read a few blogs and before I know it, it’s time to go to work. However, it has been better recently has I have made a conscious effort to put Him first. I am praying for strength as I seek to deepen my relationship with Him.
Joan, this morning in my quiet time I read Psalm 90. Verse 12 jumped off the page at me because it speaks to this very same issue which I struggle with too. “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
With me it’s probably a couple of things and the first being the trials in life we are going through as a family right now. I know the enemy just loves it when he attacks and can get our eyes off of Jesus! The second would be my insecurities and fear of being hurt by people which gets me isolated…another thing the enemy loves to do. Praise Jesus I am getting better and he doesn’t leave his children in this state! I may drift off and He is faithful to get me right back on course where I need to be!
Yes, schedules cause me to shorten my time with God along with the computer. It is so easy to get caught up in email and reading friends blogs that are about Jesus but that is no substitute for my time with him.
Karey, thank you for sharing that. Trials can so easily cause us to lose sight of Jesus. But praise God, He can work in and through every thing He allows in your life. It sounds like God is really using His transforming power in your life now!
Tracy, I am so with you on that! That’s why I had to set some boundaries and not allow myself to get on the computer until after I spend time with God in the morning. I do admit, occasionally I still fall to that temptation to “just check this one thing…”
Hi, my name’s Jeanette and I’m a Martha. ..Just kidding. I love Martha in the Bible because I relate to her. I’m a morning person and like to hit the ground being productive. I have found that not allowing myself to go to the computer until after children are at school is so good. Not waking children up until after I’ve been with Jesus is sooo much better. And putting my forehead on the floor, knelt in prayer where I don’t see little cluttered areas I want to tidy keeps my heart focused to pray before I start the day, and it helps me to listen to him. Amazing how much I can still get done when I don’t rush off into my day before I rush to him.
Thanks Jeanette for your openness! I think many of us can relate to that. Boy, it seems like the computer is a distraction for many of us!