Distractions...

I have come to realize that I have too many distractions in life. I recently have been very contemplative in my life. I've spent a lot of time musing on the future; basically trying to figure out what to do next. This kind of led me into one of those "meaning of life" monologues. The most important thing in our lives in non-negotiable: a relationship with Jesus Christ. You see, without Him in your life, you have no hope of tomorrow, and no means for today.

Logic tells us that that which is most important to us is that which we spend our time on. Hmmmm..... So, watching Food Network for 6 hours a days would tells us what? Just kidding. But, I wonder if my relationship with Jesus Christ has the temporal priority that it should have. I have a great many pulls on my life: work, ministry, personal relationships; most of these are shared by most of you. Then their is the ultimate pull in our lives: ourselves. What? You aren't pulled by yourself? The things you want don't drive you sometimes? They do me. I have noticed lately that my selfish desires seem to be getting the better of me. For instance, should I save money for the future or should I go to China Luck for lunch again? Should I get to church early tonight to fellowship with the Saints or should I be a couch potato for an extra 30 minutes enjoying Good Eats with Alton Brown? Should I get up this morning and spend time with my Heavenly Father or should I sleep an extra half hour or forty five minutes? See, my life is full of so many distractions from my relationship with God; lately I've been struggling with them more than ever.

I believe it is due to the face of decreased accountibility in my life. When in Bible College; it's easy to have a right relationship with God. 75% of everything around you focuses your attention on God's Word and your relationship with and service for God. But, since getting out, it has been easy to allow that focus to drift to the distractions; the vicissitudes of life so to speak; seem to be taking over. So, what to do about it?

Option #1 Get rid of the distractions. I actually thought about this. However, upon searching the Yellow Pages, I was unable to locate a Baptist Monestary. Hmmm. Well, that kills that idea.

Option #2 Discipline ourselves to beat the distractions. Yes, I get to be stoic! But, as I have proved time and time again, "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." My flesh is unable to win due to its weakness. That kills that idea.

Option #3 Discipline myself through the power of God to beat the distractions. Hmmm... How do I do this? How do I come before God and say "Father, I'm not able to beat this on my own...will you beat it for me?" That is hard for us to do. Pride gets in the way; seflishness gets in the way. But, it is the only way.

So, what am I gonna do about the distractions?