“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” ~ Proverbs 25:13
One day as I was traveling with one of my (then) teenage children, I was growing quite impatient. I don’t remember the specifics of the conversation, other than it was something timely and important that I was attempting to communicate. After a few moments, my patience gave out. “Would you please put that thing away so we can talk?!”
The things my own parents never had to deal with back when they were raising me and my siblings! How on earth did we ever survive without cellphones?! Perhaps a better question today would be this: how on earth are we managing life today with these portable, handheld devices distractors?
Now, it would be highly hypocritical of me to say that I am blameless. Just ask my wife, who has pointedly posed that same plea to me on several occasions over the years. “Would you please put that thing away so we can talk?”
Sometimes I imagine God asking me that same question. “Scott, why have you become so easily sidetracked? I remember when our conversations were much more personal and intimate. I remember when you would read My Word each morning and actually listen to what I am telling you. You would even take notes! When I feel this way, it is the Holy Spirit convicting me to not see God as a mere distraction, but rather the great necessity He is in my life.
Friend, we all get overwhelmed with life sometimes. But we should never get so busy that God becomes a mere distraction to us.
Proverbs 3:9 reminds us, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
Are we Honoring the Lord with giving Him the first fruits of our time each day? If not, I would encourage us to embrace this daily practice. In doing this, we avoid the all too common practice of giving God our leftovers. But just as importantly, we are devoting quality time with Him. In the early mornings, our cellphones aren’t ringing; the television isn’t on in the background. It is generally quiet and peaceful, which means He has our full attention.
Does God have your full attention today? If not, I strongly encourage you to identify those barriers and remove them.
Today’s thought: What are the distractions keeping me away from time with God today?
Former Blackout Artist 