Dealing with Distractions
Scripture:
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. – James 1:14-15 (NIV)Observation:
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Julius discussed how the enemy distracts people with their own fleshly desires. He described those desires as a "golden carrot." In other words, the enemy can’t tempt you with something you don’t already want. Ask yourself today, what is my "golden carrot?" Do you desire a romantic relationship so much that you compromise the fact that your significant other doesn’t draw you closer to Jesus? Is your desire for companionship, greater than your trust in God’s plan and perfect timing? Do you desire a certain job or more money so much that when they offer you time-and-a-half to work on Sundays, you accept it? Do you think that a job that takes you away from the House of the Lord is God’s blessing? Or, is it a distraction?
These are just a few of the many ways the enemy tries to distract people from God’s purpose. It all seems so good and innocent at first. But slowly, those desires drag you away from God’s calling over your life, and can eventually lead you to a path of death and destruction. Often times, we come to realize that the "golden carrot" we desire doesn’t bring the joy we had hoped for. Friend, that joy, peace, happiness, goodness, etc. that you truly desire does not come from another person, money, a career, a bigger home, a better car, etc. For those things are temporary and will, one day, pass away. True joys in life can only come from the Lord Himself, and living your life for Him. Psalms 34:8 says “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (NIV)Application:
Let our prayer as a church be that we would recognize the "golden carrot" in our lives, and put it in check! Spend some time in prayer and ask the Lord to help us surrender those fleshly distractions and desires that don’t align with His will. Ephesians 6:10-11 states “finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (NIV)Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for who You are. We ask today that You guide us. Set us free from the temptations that keep us in bondage. Bind any ‘spirit of distraction’ that may cause us to stumble in our walk with You. Help us to center our focus on You and You alone. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!