Distraction.
Defined as a noun and a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else; a diversion or recreation; extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.
And sadly, I enjoy it.
I enjoyed the ease distraction laid before me in living my life. I enjoyed the mind numbing, superficial thoughts, the aimless scrolling of Facebook, dreaming big through my boards on Pinterest and entering the fictitious worlds of Netflix.
Why?
Because distraction kept me from seeing my own pride. Distraction kept me from feeling convicted. Distraction kept me from hearing my own inner voice of negative thinking towards myself and others. Distraction kept me from having to look inside my own heart and see just how truly deceitful it can be.
Then I was launched into living on a Kyrgyzstan farm with zero distraction. No wifi, limited television in the Russian language, bucket showers, fruit picking, cow milking, and long days with restless nights. All of which forced me to get out of my perceived righteous living and live in a place of vulnerable silence.
However, in that silence, God spoke. He spoke to me through a profound love which not only affirmed me but corrected me. There I began to learn the importance of laying aside distraction for sanctification.
We all withdraw into distraction. But isn’t it ironic, that in this generation of selfies, social media spaces celebrating ourselves, and even blogs about our travels, that we seek distraction so we do not have to look at ourselves through a lens other than that of which we publicly portray?
It is our greatest escape from a realistic view of who we truly are. But Jesus came and died for those transgressions. He desires to see a renewing of our spirits. The work of the cross allows us to sit in the silence of our mess and still be fully pursued and loved by our Father. We can’t downplay the work of the cross by staying distracted. Rather, let’s give credit where credit is due. Let’s allow the work of the cross to penetrate our hearts, guide us into uncomfortable pruning, transform our minds and glorify our Creator instead of allowing the enemy to keep our focus on superficial perceived righteousness.
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into,
the kind of life Christ lived.
He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done,
and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back.
He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.
He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin,
free to live the right way.
His wounds became your healing.
You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going.
Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
1 Peter 2:21-25 Message Translation
