I found this nugget from 20 years ago and polished it up just a tad. Enjoy! This was back in the day before I owned a cell phone and when I still had cable tv!
Multiple windows were open on my desktop computer, telemarketers were calling, and the news was on in the background. I was popping popcorn in the microwave, and I knew my laundry needed to be removed from the dryer I shared with eight other suites on my floor. My attention was pulled in too many directions, and disaster struck. I pressed the wrong button on my computer. If there ever was a button I shouldn’t have touched, that was the one. And yet, I deliberately pushed that button. Windows opened and closed at their own whim. The computer shut down into ‘stand by mode’, then restarted again and again.
Alarmed, I turned off the computer in a way that all computer experts tell you never to turn off your computer. I waited for my blood pressure to return to normal before I gingerly restarted the machine. The problem was not solved! I ran a virus scan, defragged, emptied the recycle bin and pled with the computer to just behave itself. One more time, I turned off the computer, following proper protocol for shutting down a desktop. I praised God as the computer, indeed, behaved itself and opened up nicely. To this day, I have no idea what I did to fix it. A miracle of grace, perhaps?
I made some classic errors that day. I was cocky. I thought I knew enough about my computer that there was no need to consult the owner’s manual. I allowed myself to be pulled into way too many directions. I tried to avoid the problem I created, hoping it would all go away by just shutting off my computer. What I can’t see, doesn’t exist, right?
Sin and deception enter into my life in much the same fashion. Rarely does the enemy come along with one huge temptation outlined in blinking neon lights. He usually sends multiple seemingly insignificant distractions that entice me away from what should be my focus. The tyranny of the urgent tries to assert itself over the truly important. Once enough distractions are demanding my attention, the enemy pulls the rug under my feet and tosses that rug over my head so I can’t see the truth.
I’ve learned the hard way that multi-tasking in God’s kingdom is not seen as a virtue. I must remove dangerous distractions. I must ignore bunny trails that pull me away from God’s direction and counsel or I will find myself in the middle of a spiritual systems failure!
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Divide and conquer is an apt expression. If you are constantly trying to catch up with all those things you see as vitally important and you find it difficult to focus, it is time to stop and take inventory. Sit down and take serious note of all those things that are demanding your time and begin to prioritise by setting a goal before you. (Hebrews 12:1-2). Whatever does not help you reach that goal for fit in that goal, consider whether or not those things need to be in your life at this time.
Don’t forget to join me on YouTube. It costs nothing to subscribe to my channel, and it is simple to do. Click on the red subscribe button, then on the bell that appears. That easy! You will receive a notification every time I post a new video. I am posting daily short devotional messages there as well as random thoughts and casual “What’s up, Katherine?” segments.
Follow me on Facebook. You do not need to send me a friend request to follow me. However, I welcome friend requests if you message me first to say you know me from the website or email list! Here is the Facebook link.
Sign up for my weekly email that not only includes a devotional but also seven quotes from prominent authors, speakers, and heroes of our faith. I do not use this mailing list for any other purpose!
All Bible verses attributed to the ESV version unless otherwise indicated.
Like what you read? You can help keep this ministry in several ways. Find out more HERE
Until Next Week,
©2019 Katherine Walden
Sign up to receive a weekly emailed devotional by Katherine by using the following form.