We get distracted pretty easy. As a matter of fact, I saw an interview a while ago with a man who says that technology has really crippled our ability to focus on one thing. We are constantly responding to texts and instant messages. We are always on-line checking email and our Facebook status. We cannot function without a cellphone in our hand. The more sophisticated the phone, the harder it is for us to put it down. Even President Obama is struggling to adapt to life without his Blackberry.
Our lack of focus touches our spiritual life too. We have a hard time worshipping God because we get distracted so easily by stuff that doesn’t matter. If a singer is off-key, we lose focus. Too hot in the sanctuary, we lose our focus. Pastor preaching on something out of the Old Testament, we lose our focus. Too many distractions. Too little focus.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Music and atmosphere and preaching are all important to the worship experience. I understand that they can enhance worship or hold it back. All I am saying is that it’s too easy for us to get our eye off the prize. The Bible says, “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way” (John 4:23, NLT).
The real focus of our worship needs to be God. The music is a tool. The worship center is a tool. The environment is a tool. The preaching is a tool. All of these are part of the worship experience, but they are not the object of our worship. The next time you go to worship God, ask Him to help you focus. Enjoy all the instruments that help you in that process, but don’t allow them to distract you from what really matters. Now, excuse me. I have to go. I just got a text message.
Husband, Father, Pastor, and Christ-follower. Thankful for the life, family, and ministry that God has given to me.
