For Those Who Are Easily Distracted

Scripture Passage that caught my attention today: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia—for I intend to pass through Macedonia— 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. 7 I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Observation: Paul was rather intentional in how he spent his time, striving to make the best and most effective use of it.

Application: I was watching a time management/productivity DVD last evening. Much of it was old news and for some reason the presenter rubbed me the wrong way as well. Nevertheless, there were still kernels of wisdom to be found and one of my favorites was this:

“Find something important enough to do that you are not willing to be so easily and frequently interrupted and distracted!”

It seems to me that Paul saw his work in Ephesus as this kind of important work. It also seems that he looked forward to doing similar work in Corinth—though not until he could give it his undivided attention.

In this day and age a certain amount of multitasking is inevitable. Even Paul took the time to write to the Corinthians. But even so, there can still be a primary focus. Paul seemed to be a master at giving such foci there due. I would do well to do the same.

Prayer: Lord, why are there so many things in life that are interesting but not necessarily fulfilling? Why are there so many things that can catch our attention but cannot transform our existence? And what makes us think that we should (or need to) pursue such empty paths without giving them a second thought? I’ve noticed that Jesus was willing and able to respond to some immediate/impromptu requests, but that he also was not swayed from moving in the direction of his over-all mission. Help me learn how to do such things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Judges 9-10, Psalm 49, and 1 Corinthians 16)