Distracted and Deceived
July 28, 2022
…but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. Mark 4:19 NLT
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7 NIV
Have you ever gotten to the other side of a foolish decision or maybe even an entire season of trouble to find yourself sitting with your head in your hands asking yourself over and over, “What was I thinking?” Of course you have. We all have.
Truth is, you weren’t thinking. At least you weren’t thinking wisely or correctly. Your thinking had gotten derailed and took you with it. Your thoughts led you astray.
We humans all share this in common—our minds are the tools we need most to keep on track, thinking and believing the truth. Many New Testament messages to Jesus followers stress the absolute necessity of managing our thought life. The two major ways we get off track are distraction and deception.
Jesus said we get distracted and quit living by the truth when we allow the worries of this life, chasing after money and resources, and the desire for other things like relationships, prestige power to distract us. They crowd the truth out of our lives. Distraction is exceptionally dangerous because we are so preoccupied with the things that can destroy us that we see no danger at all. Our distractions lead us directly into trouble and away from wisdom.
Then, we are deceived when we think that our choices and decisions to live life in a way that
denies God and goes against His principles will work out. You can never fly in the face of God and His truth. He will never be wrong, and we can never outsmart God. But there are good consequences too.
Reaping and sowing are also about blessings and consequences. I can live in deception and resentment when I think God has forgotten or not noticed my obedience and life. I will eventually reap what I sow. God is too good to forget. There is always some kind of reward. Some rewards are instantaneous and easy to spot. Others take a little more time, but God is faithful.
Distraction and deception are our big enemies to living the life that pleases us and satisfies God. Live in His truth. Jesus Himself promised that when you know the truth, it will set you free.
- Jesus, help me live so close, so humbly and honestly with You that I recognize distraction and deception, and conquer them before they infiltrate my life. Amen.