Is This Really the Best Choice?
Choosing Focus Over Distraction in Your Walk with God 🚀
In a world full of endless options—good opportunities, fun activities, and even worthwhile pursuits—it’s easy to get pulled in every direction. But the older I get, the more I realize that true effectiveness comes from being selective. Not everything that’s permissible is profitable. Some things aren’t wrong; they’re just not necessary.
The Bible puts it perfectly in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV):
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
In other words, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. The key to a resilient, impactful life is learning to say no to the good so you can say yes to the best.
The Danger of Distraction
Jesus Himself warned about the cost of losing focus. In Luke 9:62 (ESV), He said:
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Distractions can be obvious (like endless scrolling on social media) or subtle (like chasing “good” things that aren’t God’s best for us).
Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Focus
Jesus lived with laser-like concentration. Even knowing the cross awaited Him, He stayed resolute. Luke 9:51 (ESV) tells us:
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
He moved steadily onward with an iron will, giving His life fully for God’s kingdom. His focus enabled Him to endure pain, stress, and persecution without wavering.
Paul echoed this mindset. He didn’t dabble in forty things—he pursued one thing:
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Unlocking Your God-Given Potential
You have incredible potential to be used by God, but the biggest barrier is often a lack of focus. Ask yourself:
- If you think you “don’t have time” to serve God, are you truly prioritizing Him?
- Do you spend more time on social media than in His Word and prayer?
- Is there always “something else” you need to do before fully following Jesus?
When you settle what’s most important, distractions lose their power. You’ll build resilience for hard times, set eternal priorities, and choose the most important things over just the good ones.
Reflection Questions
- Do you live with focus? What examples from your life show it (or lack of it)?
- What distractions—even good things—keep you from the most important pursuits?
- How does God reveal what matters most? (Hint: Through His Word, prayer, and wise counsel!)
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to a life of purpose and focus. Help us to discern what is truly helpful and what builds up Your kingdom. Give us the courage to say no to distractions and yes to Your best plan. Like Jesus, may we set our faces toward Your will, and like Paul, may we say, “One thing I do.” Strengthen us to press on toward the prize. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏