Life's Crossroads: Distractions vs. Directions
Have you ever had times when you stand at a crossroad and need to pause and think deeply about which direction you need to go?
I don't know about you, but there are at least three distinct times in my life when I have had to make a hard choice about which direction to proceed. In some cases, both choices that I considered were good in nature and potentially had positive outcomes. In others, maybe not so good. However, in each situation, the choice made would lead to completely different results that carried varying degrees of significance.
According to Wikipedia, "The Road Not Taken" is a narrative poem by Robert Frost, first published in the August 1915 issue of the Atlantic Monthly, and later published as the first poem in the collection Mountain Interval of 1916. Its central theme is the divergence of paths, both literally and figuratively, although its interpretation is noted for being complex and potentially divergent."
In the poem, Frost wrote these famous words; “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by.”
As a Christian, I often find myself at the crossroads of life, grappling with the age-old struggle between DISTRACTIONS and DIRECTIONS. A crossroad that is lacking clear road signs that would show me which was the "path of distraction" and which would be the "path of direction".
The Bible provides invaluable wisdom on this subject, illustrating through stories and scripture the importance of staying focused on the path (direction) God has set for us. Today's Meditation will compare and contrast "distractions and directions" from a Christian perspective and will explore some key points to consider.
Distractions (The Allure of the World) vs. Directions (God's Purpose)
The Bible is full of stories of individuals who succumbed to worldly distractions, abandoning God's purpose for their lives. One famous story is that of King Solomon. He was known for his wisdom but was ultimately led astray by his many distractions.
In 1 Kings 11:4, we read, "For when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God." Solomon's distraction with foreign gods and foreign wives led him away from God's direction, eventually causing great suffering for the Israelites.
Q: How do the worldly distractions of today, such as materialism and the pursuit of fame, divert us from God's purpose for our lives?
On the other hand, we have the example of Joseph, who remained faithful to God's direction despite the distractions and challenges he faced.
In Genesis 39:2-3, we read, "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands." Joseph's unwavering commitment to God's direction ultimately led him to a position of great influence in Egypt, where he played a pivotal role in God's plan to save his family and many others during a severe famine.
Q: What can we learn from Joseph's faithfulness in the face of adversity and distractions that will help us fulfill God's purpose for our lives?
Distractions (Short-Term Pleasure) vs. Directions (Eternal Joy)
In our fast-paced culture of "instant-gratification", it's easy to be swayed by the allure of short-term pleasures that lead us away from God.
The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 vividly portrays this contrast. The younger son squandered his inheritance on extravagant living, experiencing momentary pleasure but ultimately ending up in a state of despair and hunger. In contrast, the older son, who remained faithful to his father's direction, enjoyed the enduring rewards of a steadfast relationship with his father.
Q: How do we resist the temptation of pursuing fleeting pleasures and instead seek the eternal joy found in God's direction?
Distractions (Fear and Doubt) vs. Directions (Trust and Faith)
Fear and doubt often serve as powerful distractions, leading us away from God's direction.
The story of Peter walking on water with Jesus in Matthew 14:28-33 illustrates this struggle. As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he walked on water, defying the laws of nature. However, when he allowed fear and doubt to creep in, he began to sink. Jesus' words, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" remind us of the importance of trust and faith in following God's direction.
Q: How can we cultivate unwavering trust and faith to overcome distractions rooted in fear and doubt, just as Peter initially did?
The Bible provides guidance for Christians facing the eternal battle between distractions and directions. By reflecting and learning from the stories in the scriptures we can strive to remain committed to God's purpose, seek lasting joy over temporary pleasures, and develop unwavering trust and faith.
Here's one last thought on this topic…
Our Corpath brothers and sisters also play a significant role in helping us refrain from distractions and stay focused on our faith and God's path for our lives. They challenge us to be accountable to our choices. They pray for God's guidance for us. They encourage us to seek counsel in God's word as we strive to make tough decisions and hard choices.
As we navigate life's crossroads, may we continually seek God's guidance to choose the path that leads us closer to Him.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before you with my heart open to your guidance. I acknowledge the daily struggle I face between distractions and directions. Please grant me the wisdom to discern your will, the strength to resist worldly distractions, and the faith to trust in your eternal plan. Help me, like Joseph and the Prodigal Son, to choose your directions over worldly pleasures. May I choose to follow in the footsteps of Peter, keeping my eyes fixed on you, even when the storms of life threaten to distract me.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
