One of the biggest challenges in our spiritual life is to get rid of all distractions so we can focus on Jesus Christ and spend time in prayer and reading the bible. The reason this is so hard is that the world is filled with all kinds of distractions that can easily replace the time you spend in prayer and worship. Whenever we try to spend time praying or reading the bible then all kinds of distractions seem to pop out of nowhere. These distractions can come in the form of technology, entertainment, sports,  stress, tiredness, or simply being undisciplined in our walk with God.

Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As Christians, we have to be able to discern what is the will of God and be able to figure out the distractions in our life that are taking away our time with God. If you feel like your spiritual life is not where it used to be chances are some other distraction in your life has taken a higher priority. As Christians, it is your job to make sure you identify this as soon as possible and take the time and effort to come back to spend more time with God.

A very good example of being distracted by other things and ignoring Jesus is the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus came to visit the home of Martha her sister Mary was also there. Martha spent most of her time taking care of preparations and Mary just sat next to Jesus listening to what he had to say. In Luke 10:40-41 “Martha came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was probably surprised by this answer but Jesus was telling Martha what was really in her heart. Martha was worried about all the distractions surrounding Jesus’ visit to her home whereas Mary was only concerned with what Jesus had to say.

What happened to Martha can happen to any one of us. Even being in church, doing Christian things, can still leave you distracted from Jesus. You can be around Jesus just like Martha but never get to spend time with him. You can be a Christian and play the part but your spiritual life is not where you want it to be since you have other distractions taking away your time with the Lord. Just like Jesus called out Martha on her distractions taking away time spent with him, Jesus is asking you the same question. Are you spending the time you need with Jesus or are all the distractions getting in the way? Colossians 3:1-2 says “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This is hard to do but this is exactly what is needed for us to deal with our distractions in this world and focus on Christ.