DEVILISH DISTRACTIONS

“…At one time or another, most believers have experienced distractions, bondage, and oppression sent from the enemy.

The devil’s distractions focus our attention and energy on worldly matters instead of spiritual issues. If we are distracted, then we aren’t going to cause Satan much trouble, and we aren’t going to do God much good, either…

First…the lust of the eyes. Nice possessions often attract our attention. There is nothing wrong with having nice things. The Bible says that God wants to bless and prosper us. If material goods distort our perspective on life, however, we have a problem. What good is it if we gain the world and lose our own souls?

Second, Satan uses the lusts of the flesh to take our attention and time away from God. The lusts of the flesh are also used by advertisers – not to distract us, but to sell us nearly everything. Why? Because it works. Whether we admit it or not, we are susceptible to temptation. Spiritual promptings and fleshly cravings constantly vie for our attention. Like King David, we can easily be drawn from God’s will by unbridled passions…

Another snare Satan uses to distract us is the pride of life. Our society views famous, powerful, or wealthy people as being successful, but average people who quietly raise their children and go to work are seen as total bores….Nothing is wrong with wanting to be well-known or financially successful, but if these pursuits overshadow our love for God, our Christian walk is in danger.

The cares of this world choke the Word of God from growing in our lives. Satan uses this fourth distraction to steal our time and energy, keeping us too busy for Bible study and prayer. He quickens our pace of life so much that we can’t be sure whether we’re coming or going. Have you ever grown weary of juggling your relationship with God, your marriage, your children, and your job? Then you know the difficulty of dealing with this distraction.

The deceitfulness of riches captures those who are blessed with financial abundance but lack the wisdom and self-control to handle it. Trusting in uncertain riches is so easy – but devastating consequences often result. A camel goes through the eye of a needle easier than men who trust in uncertain riches go through the gates of heaven.”