Distracted

Keep your eyes on the prize. Focus. Don’t get distracted. 

“Just one thing: as citizens of heaven, live your life worthy
of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27 

Traffic is heavy. Moving at 45 mph down a main road in the city. I glance over at the SUV in the lane next to us. 

The driver is holding his cell phone. In both hands. Texting. 

Distracted. 

He looks up once. Touches the wheel. Maintains speed. Then passes us. Still texting.

How quickly we buy in to the world’s version of what we should be doing. What we need now. What our message ought to be. Our eyes wander. Even in COVID-19 lockdowns, attention is scattered. Veers off course. 

And one day we’re “multi-tasking” down the road at 45 mph.   

Along the journey in His Word, I note those who get distracted. Identify with their struggle. Learn from their failure. 

Demas

At a college retreat, the speaker draws my attention to Demas. A name I’ve missed, skimming through greetings and lists. He’s mentioned three times in the New Testament. 

The first two reveal Demas as a colleague, a co-worker of Paul’s. “Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings” (Colossians 4:14). “Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers…” (Philemon 24).  

Then, the sad sequel.  In 2 Timothy 4:9-10. “Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica.”

Demas gets distracted. By the things of this world. His heart and mind drift. Until one day he is no longer focused on the one thing. 

The things of this world

We visit a family serving in an Asian country. Each time we talk, the husband steers our conversations toward finances.

He needs more money. For this and that, he says. In our brief time together, he talks about other expatriates working secular jobs. Admires their comfortable lifestyles. Then says he might have to take such a job so they can afford college for their kids.  

Friends try to confront him about this distraction, but he resigns. And takes a secular expat job. Sadly, he leaves his wife and children.  Marries a woman who is not a believer. 

Distracted. And a family, a witness is destroyed. 

People answer God’s call. Leave the comforts of their home culture to serve in hard places. They may be called brave and sacrificial. But even with such a great start in the race, they can get their eyes off the prize. Distracted by “the things of this world.” 

Just like Demas.

Be alert to what continually draws your attention. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Archippus  

In Philemon, Archippus is referred to as “our fellow soldier”—possibly pastoring a house church.  

In closing statements to the Colossians, Paul has a message for him.

“And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’” Colossians 4:17

Pay attention. Focus. Do it.

Archippus has a calling, a ministry he’s received from the Lord. But he is distracted. Neglecting to carry out a specific assignment. 

Perhaps he’s doing good things. Just not the one thing.  

Stay alert to the Archippus distraction. Don’t miss opportunities to glorify God in the particular ministry to which He’s called you.

This one thing I do

Paul. The man who singularly focused on destroying the church was radically changed after an encounter with the living Christ. The enemy used “this one thing I do” for destruction. But the Lord transformed it for His glory and His Kingdom. 

“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Brothers and sisters,
I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:12-14

In the day of distraction, let’s make every effort. Let’s keep our eyes on the one thing. Let’s focus wholeheartedly on the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

What about you?

Can you relate to Demas? Distracted by something the world offers? Where is your treasure today? What about Archippus? Are you distracted from the work you’ve received from the Lord? Do you need to remember His call and refocus where you are? Maybe singular focus comes easily for you—you’re just looking at the wrong prize.  Will you repent and deliberately turn your eyes to Him today?

Related posts

Keep your eyes on the goal – Martha, Martha – The way of life – Listen – Follow Me – Living water – Abiding in Christ –