Dangerous Distractions

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33

American football consumes millions of fans. Thousands fill giant stadiums and crowd around TV sets to watch football. For some, watching is enjoyable. But, some fanatics make football a religion, an obsession.

In the State of Alabama most residents align themselves with one of two major football powers, Auburn University or the University of Alabama. In no other state is the rivalry so fierce. Sometimes fans go too far.

After Alabama beat Auburn once a crazed Auburn fan drove across Mobile and shot and killed an Alabama fan.

An Alabama fan poisoned two century-old oak trees in Auburn after Auburn beat Alabama. After Auburn victories fans toilet-papered the oaks. The fan admitted poisoning the trees, was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail. After valiant efforts to save the trees they died.

Murder? Poison? Extreme examples? Certainly. I’m not suggesting sports are bad. I have favorite teams and love watching college football. For some fans their teams, players or coaches become gods. It doesn’t have to be a sport that distracts us. It can be a car, a job, a video game, a house, a muscular physique, a hobby, a spouse, even a ministry.

All can become dangerous distractions. It doesn’t take much to distract us from God’s plan for our lives. A seemingly harmless distraction can give Satan a foothold.

This might be a good time to reexamine our priorities. What’s the most important thing in your life right now? Do you have distractions that could become gods? Distractions that ARE gods? Or is God and your relationship with Him your top priority?

A person after God’s heart makes his or her relationship with Him a top priority. David had an overwhelming love and respect for Scripture because it taught him how to draw closer to the Father (Ps. 119:15-16, 105). Charles Stanley