To be focused in times of distractions is to walk in the spirit and not be entangled with the affairs of this life. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated in the ability to discern between what is temporary and what is eternal, what is necessary and what is merely noise. The enemy seeks to divide the heart, to pull the believer away from devotion to Christ, yet the Word of God commands, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). This is not a suggestion but a call to a life of unwavering focus, where the heart, mind, and spirit are anchored in the things of God, unmoved by the shifting winds of distraction.
Consider Nehemiah, who was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. When the enemy sought to distract him with threats and invitations to leave his work, he responded with resolute focus, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3). His spiritual maturity was evident in his ability to recognize the distraction for what it was and refuse to be drawn away from the assignment given to him by God. In the same way, the spiritually mature believer understands that every distraction is an attempt to pull them away from their divine purpose, and they choose to remain steadfast.
The example of Martha and Mary further illustrates this principle. When Jesus came to their home, Martha was consumed with many tasks, troubled and distracted by her responsibilities, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words. When Martha complained, Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Here, the contrast is clear—one was caught up in the distractions of service, while the other was focused on the presence and teaching of Christ. Spiritual maturity is found in the ability to recognize that only one thing is needful: an undivided heart fixed upon the Lord.
Jesus Himself set the greatest example of remaining focused despite distractions. In the wilderness, when tempted by Satan, He did not engage in debate or allow the distractions of worldly gain to sway Him. Instead, He answered with the Word, declaring, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10). His mind was fixed on the will of the Father, and He would not be moved. Even in His final hours, as He prayed in Gethsemane, knowing the suffering that awaited Him, He did not allow fear or sorrow to distract Him from the cross. He prayed, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). This is the mark of spiritual maturity—remaining focused on the will of God, even when distractions arise from within and without.
Paul also warned against entanglement with distractions, writing, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). The spiritually mature understand that they are soldiers in the army of the Lord, and a soldier does not concern himself with trivial matters but remains focused on the mission at hand. This focus is cultivated through prayer, fasting, meditating on the Word, and a continual seeking after God.
In a world filled with distractions—social media, endless news cycles, financial pressures, and personal struggles—the spiritually mature refuse to be moved. Their minds are stayed on God, their hearts are fixed, and their eyes are set upon the prize. As Hebrews 12:2 declares, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This is the key to focus in times of distraction: to look unto Jesus, to trust in His promises, and to walk in unwavering obedience to His will.
Selah Moment with Prophetess Dr. Althea Winifred
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