I have been dealing with distractions in my life. Whether they are through work, school, kids, ministry, deer season…it really doesn’t matter what the distraction is, there always seem to be something that can change my focus. There are always “things” that will compete for our attention. Some are urgent, some are trivial. However, the urgent can become trivial and the trivial can become urgent. I wanted to share with you what I am learning. I am learning that there are distractions to our relationship with God. They are nothing new. I am reading in 1 Timothy and he addresses those distractions.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 2:8-98 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance.They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.
Timothy charges ALL churches, temples, synagogues with his opening phrase in verse 8. He doesn’t exempt any house of worship or give special place to one place over another. This instruction is for ALL places of worship. It not only deals with the process of worship, but the attitude of worship as well. Timothy addresses the problems of distractions when worshipping. He instructs the men to lead the way in worship as they are addressed first. He admonishes men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God. Holy, meaning consecrated for worship and service. Set apart for His worship. He then goes on to add to the holiness about being free from anger and controversy. These are things that can entangle the spirit of a man and cause attention to be misdirected from God to the controversy.
After addressing the men, the women are to follow their lead. However, Timothy understands the nature of men and how they are distracted by the eye. He admonishes women to dress modestly. He instructs them to wear appropriate clothing as not to draw anyone’s attention to themselves by they way they fix their hair or the jewelry they wear or the price of their clothes. He is making sure that they are not the focus of worship as was prevalent during this time. Women can become distracted as well. Insecurities creep in about appearance, feelings of inadequacy, and even competition with others. This was evident back then as it is now. It stems from goddess worship. Goddess worship was something that was very real and was trying to make headway into the Church as there were many converts who were now following Christ and mixing the pagan religion with Christianity. Timothy addresses this and points both men and women to the cross of Christ. He is the one that is to be worshipped.
When I am confronted with this truth of the Word, I realize that my life is full of controversy and distractions. When my life is full of controversy, it usually breeds anger. How can one worship God and have anger toward another in his heart? I wrestle with this. Especially when I become passionate about something. I begin to think, focus and really go overboard with “proving” my point in my personal need to become right.
In my trying to become right, I have a way that I can become like a rasp and score good people and my relationships with the file that I think will smooth the surface. In reality, I am doing that opposite. I am leaving scars on the lives of people I wanted to have friendships with, be close to, celebrate with and do life together. I believe this is one aspect of what Timothy is speaking to in this verse. Be free from controversy as to not have divided attention and your attention can be focused on God.
He then goes on to dealing with women. I believe that this is a twofold meaning this writing. Timothy knows and understands how men are wired. They are visual. Things that men see, stick in the DVR of their minds and can be recalled and played over and over again. Here, the instruction to the women to not dress immodestly or expensively or with too much jewelry as to become a distraction to others. This serves a double purpose.
- It prevents people from being distracted in their worship before God. This doesn’t just refer to men, but also women as well.
- It also instructs women not to compete for attention of other people. It teaches all people to have the attention of God rather than man. It teaches us to not become distractions to others in their walk with Christ.
When we become a distraction to other people in their walk with Christ, we have elevated ourselves to demigod status and seek to have attention drawn to us rather than pointing it toward Christ. This is sin! This is idolatry! This is pride!
I am thankful that God gives us grace and mercy! Without His grace, there is no Good News of Christ dying for each of us. Without His mercy, I am still held accountable for my past transgressions. I am glad that I have placed my trust in Him and that He is still forming me into what He wants me to become.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me of my sin of pride. Take it from me. Help me to point people to Your Son, Jesus. Help me to tame my passions of this world and make me more passionate for You, Your Word, Your mission and Your Love. Help me to not become a distraction and live a quiet, peaceable life that is pleasing to you. I ask that you would help me and guide me by your Holy Spirit. I ask that you would bless my family and give them favor. Help my children grow closer to You and do well in their schooling. I pray that you would bless my wife in her job and give her favor. I ask that you would give me favor on my job and help me reach the goals that I have set. I give you glory and honor. Thank you for saving me. Amen!
What are the “things” that are distracting you?
What are you competing for the attention of, God or someone else?
oneguyseyes 