As we continue our study into ‘Spiritual Distractions’ Matthew 6: 24: tells us that ‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other… truer words have never been spoken. A divided heart is a powerful distraction, and certainly a tragedy in the making. Satan is smart; he knows how to craft the world's distractions as subtle invitations, designed to drag us away from our spiritual values. Sometimes, we don’t recognize them as temptations; our senses may have been dulled; we don’t realize we are offending God.

Let’s consider movies and television; much of it today contains questionable language, violence, homosexuality, alternative lifestyles, witchcraft, adultery, and deception; all crafted as acceptable and normal behavior? How about the music that’s being produced? Even some of the Christian music displays questionable lyrics and messages that God certainly considers unacceptable. And how about those books and magazines… are any of these hiding in your closet. How much time do you spend playing VIDEO GAMES ON THE INTERNET? If any of these worldly endeavors take up your time during the day, it’s likely that your commitment to prayer and the study of God’s Word has fallen off or disappeared… HAS IT?
Are your close friends committed to Jesus and His Plan for their lives? Satan clearly understands that there are only 24 hours in a day. The more that he can distract you from the things of God, the more likely it will be, that you will find yourself sliding back into the world… please DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN.

Hebrews 10: 23-25; encourages us… ‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised us is faithful; and let us stimulate one another to love and good deeds; encouraging one another as the day draws near.

The Bible teaches that we are sojourners; aliens and strangers in this world. Believers should understand that they are citizens of God’s Kingdom, and not of this world. Keeping your spiritual walk strong intact needs to be a daily challenge; identify any worldly influences, and when you find one, ELIMINATE IT.

In Acts chapter 2, on the day of Pentecost; Peter addressed a crowd of about 3000 men. As he was preaching the Word-of-God, God’s Holy Spirit fell upon them. Shortly after, Peter encouraged them to be baptized and receive God’s Holy Spirit within them. Just as Jesus had promised, the New Testament church was born. In the present day, the importance of being a member of a local Body-of-Christ is important; if not a church, find a local house church to become part of. When the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Word are being faithfully taught, you will be able to identify and eliminate any distractions to your spiritual walk with Christ.

A man was never meant to live a solitary life.   As Adam was provided with Eve, God also encourages us to be part of a local body of Christ; so we may use our Spiritual Gifts for the benefit of the entire body. Biblical instruction in doctrine and practical application for the benefit of all. This holds us accountable and encourages us in our walk and the use of those Spiritual Gifts. This is beneficial to every Christ-follower, who desires to live a ‘Christ-centered Life’. So, find a local body, that preaches and practices God’s Word and promotes God’s Commandments and His Statutes. This is part of His Blessings and what God wants for each of His children; do not let the world distract you from your faithful walk with Christ.