Making Time: Distractions

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Is TikTok more influential than God in 2024?

Not a chance! But to those that don't have a concept of the radical, life altering power of the creator of the universe, the answer may be yes. This is the sad reality of life in 2024. Whether it is social media, gaming, sports, or Netflix, there are so many things that grab our attention each day. How do we break free from the oppression of these distractions, and grab hold of the Lord? We must find a way to fight against these distractions and make time for God; easier said than done.

Finding a way to free ourselves from the powerful grip of distraction is not an easy task. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to begin the process of limiting the power of distraction in our lives.

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1. Identify the Distractions

The first and most essential step in beginning the process of creating more space in life. If we don't know what the distractions are, how can we possibly begin to address them? In reality, its often not difficult to identify the distractions in our lives. Where are you spending the majority of your time? How many hours per day are you on your phone? Watching TV? Romans 6:16 reminds us that "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (NIV).

Take one week to consciously begin to identify the distractions in your life. Have an intentional week to be hyper-aware of your own actions, habits, and tendencies. This practical activity will help anyone address the distractions.

2. Make a Minimal Change

We have to recognize that massive changes in habit don't often occur overnight. Setting realistic expectations about how we want to see change is essential to sustaining a change for the long term. For example, if you have identified your distraction as mindless scrolling, it is easy to set a time limit on your phone for a specific app. You can also simply set an amount of time that you scroll, and put the phone down after that time expires.

Implementing minimal changes can slowly open the door for larger ones. There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting small, and working up to your goal.

3. Have a Purpose

Remember, the purpose of this is to prioritize God! When we reflect on the importance of our relationship with the Lord, it provides us with a raw sense of motivation to put God first. Jesus himself encourages us to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt. 6:33, NLT). Create time for the Lord in the place of your eliminated distractions. Jesus wants to talk to you. He wants to comfort you. Relationships go two ways, so spend some time seeking him, and you will find him.

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As we eliminate distractions and make more time for God, scripture says we will reap the reward of having a relationship with him. We will deepen our existing relationship with Christ, and begin to experience him in new ways. Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV).