Susan LaffertyMy mother tells the story. Her dad was going blind. So every morning she or her sister would stop by the home where he stayed. And read the Bible to him.
One particular day, Mom was in a hurry. On a tight schedule. She rushed in with no time to spare. Out of breath and talking fast. “So, Daddy, which chapter do you want me to read today?”
In his slow Southern drawl, Grandaddy said “Well, how about Psalm 119?”
They hear about this man. News travels fast along trade routes. Rumors fly down country roads.
And suddenly, here he is. Walking into their village.
They stand at a distance. Ten men. Diseased. Desperate in their pain and isolation. Unclean.
“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” They say it loud. Across the divide.
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.