Distracted from our Calling

Scripture I'm Reflecting on:  Nehemiah 6:3
     "I am engaged in a great work, I can't come.  Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?"

Nehemiah was close to completing his great work....his calling...  His enemies tried to get him to pause his work, and distract him from doing God's work.  He stayed strong though, pushed away the distraction.... and the rest of the story is history.

Reflection:
Our culture is rich with distractions.  Television.  Wealth.  Power.  Music.  Money.  Advertisements.  Jewelry.  Sports.  Opposite sex.  Beauty.  Love.  We find ways to navigate around these distractions all the time.  During exam time, I have no issues blocking out these distractions.  I keep the TV off.  I stay in and turn down other events, other opportunities/distractions.  On the golf course I have no problem blocking out the distractions around me, and focusing in on the round.  I'm sure everyone can relate to a time when they've shut off all distractions.  Maybe when trying to complete a big project at school?  Maybe when finishing up a big home project?  Maybe on a big date?  But can we say we do this when we are doing God's work?  When seeking his Glory?  My answer, as I'm sure many others have to honestly admit as well, is certainly that I do not do this nearly enough.

We are called to do God's work.  Spread the good news.  Be a positive example in society.  Worship God.  Love Jesus.  Nowhere in this calling is there any reason for us not to enjoy the beautiful gifts we have been given in the world.  Go have fun at the beach.  Go to a party with family or friends.  Enjoy a round of golf.  Go on a date.  Have a relationship.  But we have to do all of these things knowing that our faith is still our #1 priority.  And when it is time to go God's work, or devote time to Him, then we need to take a cue from Nehemiah, and block out all of these other distractions.  If we find something in our life is distracting us from seeking God, pulling us away from the Word, or preventing us from doing God's work....then we have to find a way around this distraction.

Final Thought:
I believe the best way to fight against being distracted from God is by praying and reflecting on what are the things in our own lives that provide us the most distractions.  I've recognized this same final thought in several of my postings, and continue to try and implement it in my own life.  For some people its facebook.  For some people its fantasy sports.  For some people its TV....on and on.  Being aware of what distracts you most from God is the first (and probably second third and fourth) step in making sure you do not let distractions stop you from seeking God.