Distractions
Our pastor touched on some things this morning from Ephesians 4 that prompted me to dig deeper. I came across this and had to share!
There are many distractions the enemy uses to distort vision and divert people from fulfilling the true commission Christ gave all believers (or future believers):
Substance Abuse Addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful habits clouds judgment, weakens faith, and hinders spiritual growth. • “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
Trust in One’s Own Acts Relying on personal good deeds or legalistic righteousness instead of trusting fully in God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice. • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
Obsession with Numbers Fixation on church bank accounts, membership growth, or metrics of “success” rather than spiritual transformation and discipleship. • “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36) • “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19)
Adherence to Tradition Prioritizing human traditions, rituals, or denominational preferences over the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Scripture. • “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)
Materialism Pursuing wealth, possessions, and worldly success at the expense of spiritual priorities. • “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Fear of Persecution Allowing fear of rejection, ridicule, or persecution to silence witness and hinder boldness in proclaiming the gospel. • “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
False Doctrines Falling prey to heresies or teachings that distort the true gospel and lead people astray from the centrality of Christ. • “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3)
Division Among Believers Stirring up conflict, gossip, or competition within the body of Christ, weakening unity and mission. • “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25) • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Entertainment and Comfort Overindulgence in media, leisure, or personal comfort that distracts from prayer, Scripture, and service. • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
Busyness and Overcommitment Becoming so consumed with work, family, or even church activities that time for personal communion with God and evangelism is neglected. • “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)
Pride and Self-Reliance Believing one can accomplish God’s work through human effort alone, neglecting dependence on prayer and the Holy Spirit. • “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6) • “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
Idolatry Elevating anything—politics, relationships, careers, or even the church itself—above one’s devotion to Christ. • “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
Unforgiveness and Bitterness Harboring resentment, which stifles spiritual growth and hinders the ability to love and serve others. • “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) • “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15)
Complacency Becoming spiritually stagnant, apathetic, or indifferent to the urgency of sharing the gospel. • “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)
Comparison Focusing on others’ successes or failures, leading to envy, discouragement, or pride instead of staying focused on one’s God-given mission. • “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” (Galatians 6:4)