While You're Scrolling, Prophecy Is Being Fulfilled

Texting Is Bad

I know some people are adverse to technology and accuse people who text constantly as not being present in the life going on around them. I get that. I really do. I know some hosts actually have guests put their cell phones into a basket before going any further into their homes. There are even web sites giving you cellphone etiquette. One such site tell us this:

When we spend too much time (Americans average 7 hrs 5 mins every day) on our cell phones, we use them whenever and wherever, and forget that there may be times and places when we should tuck our devices away.

Statistics show that 61% of Americans 65 and over have a cellphone. That number goes up to 94% for those between the ages of 50 to 64. While cell phones make things like shopping and connecting with others and essential services easy, too much screen time can make you forget what’s going on around you in real life.

They then tell us places we should stop using them:

We put together a list of 14 places or situations where cell phone use is prohibited or frowned upon.

The list includes movie theaters, airplanes, in libraries, during a job interview, museums, at a church or synagogue, on the job, at a spa, in your bedroom, while at a hospital, during a funeral, doctor’s offices, dinner parties. If you’ve been paying attention (put the cell phone down – you know who you are) you’d notice I only gave you 13 places. The 14th one is noted in this quote from the article:

Driving a car - All U.S. states, minus Montana, have made texting and driving illegal, according to GHSA (Governors Highway Safety Association). Many states also have a hands-free law that bans drivers from even holding a cell phone (regardless of whether the driver is using it) while behind the wheel.

This is called distracted driving and it can get one in a lot of trouble even if it doesn’t cause an accident. It’s bad for everyone but us it seems. Have divided attention can be very dangerous, even deadly.

Are Christians Distracted?

We can be. There are plenty of examples of it in the Scriptures as a commentary from the Bible Hub tells us:

In the Christian life, distractions pose a significant threat to spiritual growth and devotion. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers of being distracted from God's purposes and commands. Distractions can lead believers away from their primary focus on God, resulting in spiritual stagnation or even backsliding.

It them provides three relevant examples:

1. Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42): One of the most illustrative examples of distraction is found in the account of Martha and Mary. As Jesus visited their home, Martha was "distracted by all the preparations to be made" (Luke 10:40), while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus gently rebuked Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42). This passage underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.
Then they point to a well-known parable:
2. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23): In this parable, Jesus describes how the seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22). Distractions, whether they be worries or the pursuit of wealth, can prevent the Word of God from taking root and bearing fruit in a believer's life.
And then there’s one of best examples from an event in the life of Peter than every Sunday School student knows:
3. Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:28-31): When Peter walked on water towards Jesus, he became distracted by the wind and waves, leading to fear and doubt. As a result, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out to save him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). This incident illustrates how distractions can lead to a loss of faith and focus on Christ.

Even In Prophecy

Well now, I am meddling aren’t I? Far be it from me to actually point out not paying attention to important things at important times, and yet I am. But it’s actually part of the end times. Jesus warned us about it. He did in Luke 21:34-36:

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (NLT)

You need to pay close attention or as this passage tells us to not be caught unawares. It also tells us to be alert at all times, again not distracted. In another of the Olivet Discourses we read this:

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. (Matt 34:37-39, NLT)

Jesus tells us there will be people that will have their attention on anything but Jesus coming back. They’ll make anything but His return a priority. Sound familiar? Then there’s these verses:

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them...” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, ESV)

Many will be lulled into false security, distracted from the urgency of the hour as well. As you can see the last of the last days will have more than it’s share of distracted living. Even evangelistic believers are warned to stay vigilant:

So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. (Eph 5:15-16, TLB)

As you can see, the prophetic warnings are truly evident in the Bible.

Avoiding Distractions

Now that we know there will be a lot of distractions in the end times it’s incumbent on us to stay away from them. The Bible Hub commentary gives us ways to stay focused:
1. Single-minded Devotion (Philippians 3:13-14): The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of focusing on the goal of the Christian life. He writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul’s single-minded pursuit of Christ serves as a model for believers to avoid distractions and remain steadfast in their faith.
Another good habit is protecting your heart:
2. Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23): The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also warns against distractions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life" . By guarding one's heart, a believer can protect themselves from distractions that lead to spiritual decay.
And then one of my favorite pieces of advice comes from Jesus Himself:
3. Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33): Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize the Kingdom of God above all else: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This teaching encourages believers to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary, worldly distractions.
The article also gives some steps to accomplish these thing:
1. Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture can help believers maintain their focus on God. By setting aside dedicated time for communion with God, distractions can be minimized.
Just the dedication to pray in and of itself helps us. And as iron sharpens iron is another way:
2. Accountability and Fellowship: Engaging in Christian fellowship and accountability can provide support and encouragement to stay focused on spiritual goals. Fellow believers can help identify distractions and offer guidance.
As any good business person knows, having priorities is critical to not being distracted:
3. Setting Priorities: Establishing clear spiritual priorities can help believers allocate their time and resources effectively, ensuring that distractions do not derail their spiritual journey.
The commentary offers us this conclusion:
In summary, the Bible warns of the dangers of distractions and provides guidance on maintaining focus on God. By following biblical teachings and examples, believers can safeguard their spiritual lives against the myriad distractions of the world.

Unless you were distracted while listening to this podcast, you should be ready to fight the good fight and not need your GPS to find it.