It seems that distractions have become a toxic way of life. Record numbers of cars running over pedestrians, who were both glued to their smartphones, so-called. How many people’s homes have we entered with their televisions blaring and no sign of turning them off? A subtle hint as to how welcome we are? Any guesses?

Even my thinking seems scattered. Takes more effort to focus and concentrate. Old age or way too many things floating around in my pea brain? No comments from those in the peanut gallery!

Jesus’ parable of the seeds and soil, found in Mark 4, directly addresses the issue of being distracted from spiritual matters. He tells the story comparing people to a plant, off to a good start, that gets choked out by weeds–‘They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful’ (Mark 4: 18-19).

It’s that phrase ‘desires for other things’ that gives me pause. ‘Other things’ like what? Worries about family, or health, or politics, or just plain everything or anything?

‘Other things’ as in grasping more filthy lucre or getting ahead, pushing and shoving your way up some ladder of success, tossing aside anyone who dares to get in your way?

‘Other things’ such as gluing ourselves to digital screens, barely coming up for air, or noticing that oncoming truck? ‘Other things’ can crowd out our productivity for the Lord, making us less useful. More unavailable, leading to less quantity and quality time with Jesus and your Bible.

Like the king in Daniel chapter 5. Belshazzar, by name. He’d heard about the One true God, and how He can humble even the most highfalutin’ monarch, like what God did with his father Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4). Yet Belshazzar turns his back on God as if humming Bing Crosby’s song ‘Going My Way’!–‘And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven’ (Dan. 5: 22-23).

This foolish king was forewarned. He’s without excuse, yet he willingly tosses it all aside. God forbid that we ever do much the same. God forgive us for doing those ‘other things’, which displease our Lord Jesus.

So, this week, look carefully at what ‘other things’ distract us from your Lord. Open wide your spiritual eyes, and let your ears be tuned to hear God. Watch and listen. Then you’ll know. A choice is offered. And then what…?

Lord Jesus, help me to focus on following you. Amen.