Distractions on the Road

Greg Gwin

Surely you've seen them - those drivers who are so busy talking on their cellular phones that they sit through a green light or ignore some other important traffic situation. We’ve even seen people talking on their cell phone AND eating a sandwich - all while driving the car! Driving is a serious activity that demands our devoted attention. Things like cell phones and sandwiches tend to distract us, making driving even more dangerous. Published statistics clearly point out the dangers of distracted driving. When two or more such distractions are added together - watch out! An accident is sure to follow.

Now, make a spiritual application: Living life in this world is a very serious activity. It demands our undivided attention. The problem is that we too often allow ourselves to be distracted by the things of this world. When that happens, a spiritual accident is sure to follow. And, we're not just talking about the sinful things that can distract us. Certainly, there are plenty of those. Wickedness abounds in our society and we are confronted with multiple temptations everyday. Constant vigilance is necessary. But, in addition to these things, there is the danger that we will get so busy with the non-sinful activities of our day-to-day lives that we might forget what our main pursuit is supposed to be. Our jobs, our families, our recreation and a host of other things can crowd God out of our lives.

Add two or three such distractions together and you are simply a spiritual accident looking for a place to happen. Be careful! Stay focused. "Reach forth unto those things which are before" and "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13,14).