I had a conversation with a millennial in our congregation. He reminded his GenX pastor that he was part of the last generation to remember not having the internet growing up. He then lamented over the experience of GenZers who have never known a time without the internet, smartphones, and social media. He said the internet is a huge DISTRACTION—a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else, in our context God. That seems obvious, but I remember the Holy Spirit asking me during the pandemic, "When did Facebook start?" I had no idea, so I googled it. ; ) It was 2006. He said, "The Church world you grew up in no longer exists. The young people you are ministering to have no idea about that life you've had." This millennial lamented that the attention span of the next generation is only 15-60 seconds thanks to Reels and Tic Tock, and suggested we put out content for that audience. Hmmm. Have you been distracted by your phone, social media, or streaming services lately? Some gave them up for Lent.
DISTRACTION is also extreme agitation of the mind or emotions. Many situations can prove to be distracting: work, finances, illness, even good things like new opportunities. At times our brains and feelings are swirling. This type of distracting emotional upheaval can come from our relationships. In fact, Paul in his discourse about singleness and marriage in 1 Corinthians 7, stated that while married people have an in-built concern for pleasing their spouses; single people have the gift of being able to have undivided devotion to the Lord. Paul suggested they might even choose to stay single, "I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible." (vs.35) Married folks also want to have focused, committed, and consistent worship and service for the Lord.
The enemy of our souls sends distractions as temptations. In Matthew 4:8-10 in the wilderness Satan tempted Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world if He would fall down and worship him, "Then Jesus said to him,“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Jesus refused to be distracted from His mission to save humanity. Paul comforts us all by explaining, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (1 Cor. 10:13) If you've been distracted lately, there is a way out...turn off the TV, phone, internet...turn your eyes toward Jesus and receive peace. | 
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