One biblical example of distraction, is the very well known Mary and Martha story found below.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 38- 42
Jesus was sitting in her living room speaking and Martha was busy preparing dinner. She was too engrossed in her task at hand that she could only stop to complain. One has to wonder if in her busyness she even heard a word He was saying as she stomped into the room to whine about Mary. So if a lady could be so busy preparing a meal and not even take a second to soak up His knowledge, it's not hard to see how a lady can stand at an elevator for 2 minutes, texting, briefly look up at an approaching person and say, "The elevator is taking forever today," only to bury her nose back into her phone and still not see me push the button seconds later. Quite honestly, I have done this before too. Luckily I caught myself.
So then I thought about the time I did the "Why is the elevator taking so long...oh...oops," blooper. What was keeping me so distracted?" I don't even know, probably my iPhone. Probably my thoughts or my grumblings. But this state of preoccupation is dangerous. The bible states:
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5: 8
How easy is it to trip when you are not looking where you are going? You have to actually look up and watch where you step occasionally. Otherwise you will be walking into walls, people, or tripping on curbs. Take it from me, I have probably the record for bruises from walking into the edge of my desk. Trust me when I say, don't edit papers while walking from the printer! It's kind of dangerous!
But so is walking in the Spirit realm without the power of the Spirit or without God's Word. One last thought, but not from me. The bible could say it better than I ever could.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[f] Ephesians 6: 10- 18
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