Stopping Along The Way
He doesn’t do as he is asked straight away.
Reference: Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” (Luke 9:61 NIV)
Explore: We’re currently fighting an obedience battle with one of our boys. It’s not that he is outright disobedient, it’s just that he doesn’t do as he is asked straight away.
If you ask him to brush his teeth after breakfast he will start heading in the general direction of the bathroom but he’ll find things to distract him. It seems like that is the perfect time to stop to check his lunch box, to pick up a toy that’s been left on the floor or to start a conversation with another member of the family.
None of these things are terrible actions, but they are just a distraction from what we have asked him to do. And, unless we keep him focused on the bathroom, he will inevitably forget to brush his teeth.
Application: Procrastination is a challenge for everyone. Social media sites are so well utilised throughout the day because people are looking for a little distraction from their work.
And yet, distraction is rarely helpful. Hundreds of books have been written to help people stay focused because they know how challenging it can be.
God has called each of us to follow Him. And yet, we get so distracted by other things that present themselves in life.
These things are not necessarily evil. But we need to keep them in check to make sure they are not stopping us from following Christ.
I’ve come to realise that God does not nag. He doesn’t pester us or incessantly remind us.
He gives us our call and then allows us to make the decision. Let’s not turn aside His voice but heed His purpose and stay the course.
Prayer: Lord, the path You have for us is the best we could travel. May we listen to Your voice and obey straight away. Amen.
What distractions are you currently facing?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.