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On Campus: Distractions

Do you ever feel distracted? I know I do all the time. It seems as if I have a good amount of free time and then all of a sudden, I have to rush to do school work or anything else that’s important. Why!? Because I get so easily distracted by TV, video games, hanging out with friends, and etc. that I forget what’s important until the last minute.

I don’t know about you, but for me, the same thing happens when it comes to focusing on God. I have so much time I could devote to him but instead, I allow myself to get so distracted. I do my work, relax, spend time with friends and then what time is left? I am not devoting my time to Him and doing His work, like I should be. In fact, I enjoy writing these posts so much but yet, it seems to take me so long to write them. It’s not that I don’t have the time, it’s that I allow myself to get distracted by other things.

I am writing this article for that reason in particular. I want to do the things that I want to do. I want to devote time to God and grow stronger in His word! Now I know that video games, TV, friends, and even my studies are not bad things and it is fine to enjoy all of them, however, it is important to realize when I am taking things too far.

I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV

We need God in our lives. He shows Himself through the sacraments we receive in worship. He shows Himself in His word.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[ you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.    2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV

The ways we connect with God’s word are varied. Reading the Bible on our own, listening to Christian music grounded in Scripture, or worshiping with other believers are all ways we can live surrounded with God’s word. For me, I really resonate with group Bible studies and that is why I am joining a couple more this year. It helps me spend more time with God instead of my distractions. What helps you stay focused? It is so amazing that God chooses to connect with us in His word where we learn of His love for us and plan of salvation though Jesus. We get to experience His presence in the Lord’s Supper.  He does all this because he loves us!

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.    Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

Contributed by Frankie

Published April 9, 2014

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