Fighting Life’s Constant Distractions

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Fidget spinners and cubes were originally designed and marketed as tools to help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, autism, and attention deficit disorder. They are intended to release nervous energy and stop fidgeting, thereby increasing focus. These toys have become increasingly popular, but have recently been banned by many schools. The devices to fight distraction have now become disruptions themselves.

How often do we become preoccupied or diverted? Hourly, daily, weekly? Probably every few minutes if we are truly honest. We look at our cell phones, computers, and televisions to find out the latest news or gossip. We can no longer even enjoy a meal or conversation without someone pulling out their phone to check social media, play a game, or look up a fact on the internet. Schedules and technology now run our lives rather than aiding them. Focus is shifted away from important relationships and interactions with our families, church, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Paul warned the early church not to get bogged down with matters of this world, but to serve the Lord with as few distractions as possible. He was referring to marriage in this particular passage, but the concept transfers to all areas within our life.

“I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.”
I Corinthians 7:35 New Living Translation

The evil one lurks at every turn to take our focus off of what truly matters in this life. I catch myself jumping from one form of preoccupation to the next. I begin to fixate on matters of this world instead of on my spouse, my children, and what the Lord truly calls me to do.

Lord, help me lay down the distracting fidget spinners in my life at the foot of the cross, and focus on the matters you would lead me to.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO