Deadly Distractions

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Thought to Glow: Things that cause of to be distracted from God’s plan can be deadly. 

Passage: Joshua 8

The battle between Israel and Ai is interesting. The first time God’s children battle this little city, they are defeated because God is not with them (Joshua 7). Once they get that taken care of, Joshua leads Israel to battle a second time. This time, Israel wins because God is with them. Joshua also develops a strategy of distraction. 

Israel pretended to run away causing the men of Ai to give chase. Once the men of Ai were far enough away from the city, the rest of the Israelite army charged Ai. A distraction caused great destruction. So too, in our own lives, little distractions can cause great destruction. Therefore, God challenges us to walk circumspectly with caution and alertness.

Have you ever been distracted from a task you knew was more important? Maybe you needed to finish homework but were distracted by a phone call or a friend. You know you’re supposed to focus while reading the Bible, but your mind wandered and you don’t even know what you read. 

God has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. He has given you gifts and talents to fulfill this purpose. He is guiding you through His Word and the Holy Spirit. The challenge for you is to not get distracted from this purpose. God’s word says, “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 Tim. 2:4). Stay focused on God’s plan. Don’t get distracted.