DOMINION OVER DISTRACTIONS (2)

“LOOKING unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” – Heb.12:2a

Incredible feats can be accomplished when we intentionally exercise DOMINION over DARTS of DISTRACTION: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, LOOKING unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:1-2). The great cloud of witnesses are those who have found God to be faithful in every circumstance, and worthy of devotion (Hebrews 11). Here are five scriptural, practical ways to exercise dominion over darts of distraction in life:

Keep your eyes on Jesus: The thrust of today’s text is a deliberate decision to keep our eyes on Him alone (Heb.12:1-2). Jesus is matchless because He has paid the price for our victory over sin and guarantees eternal life. Distractions come when we forget who we belong to, and what He did to secure our redemption. This is why we’re commanded to regualrly celebrate the communion, so our eyes would shift from all distrations and be focused on Him. Psalm 123:2 says, “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eye look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us.”

Invest Time in Prayer and the Word: Consistent prayers, reading, study, meditation, and obedience to the Word (Psa.119: 9-11). Time spent in prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving is critical to a health heart, mind, and relationship with God (Phi.4:6-7; Col.4:2). God communicates with and equips us through His Word as the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding (2Tim.3:16-17). The Bible leads us on the right path, convicts us when we veer off, tells us how to get back, and shows us how to stay on course. Honest, sincere prayer brings us into God’s Presence where we can “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16).

Resist Worldly Influences: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world...” (1Jh.5:15-16). Jesus says: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Mt.6:24). A divided heart is a powerful distraction; a tragedy in the making. The texting driver believes he can handle the distraction, and is misled to believe that the message on his phone is more important in the moment than paying attention to the road. Wordly attractions are similarly subtle. We often don’t recognize them as temptations, having been gradually desensitized to things that offend God: uncontrolled consumption of worldly movies; Internet and TV shows that promote cursing, violence, queer lifestyles, witchcraft, immorality, and deception; music and writings with ungodly lyrics and messages.

Be Accountable to a Body of Believers: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb.10:24-25). Commitment to a local church that faithfully teaches God’s Word will do much to identify and eliminate the distractions to our walk with Christ (Pro.27:17). Devotion to Cristis enhanced by biblical instructions, relationships with godly people who encourage and hold us accountable, opportunities to serve with our gifts, and being equipped to share the gospel with unbelievers. Rather than be distracted, spiritually unhealthy loners, let’s find and commit to a solid, biblical church (Acts 2:42-47).

Passionately Pursue Purpose: Clarify life’s mission and pursiing purpose with passion prevents Distraction. Jesus  pursued purpose with pointed passion (Lk.4:18-21; Jh.4:34; 9:4). Paul knew the mission to which he was called (Col.1:28-29). He lived a devoted life, putting all his energy into accomplishing his mission, devoid of distractions (Eph.3:8-9). Let's go and do likewise!