Other distractions? That’s a serious question. We’re going to be presented with all kinds of conflict in our lives. We think we’re prepared for calamity, chaos, and strife, but are we? Because if we’re truly not focused on Christ first and foremost, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.
I’ll put a twist on this for you. Any prudent person will tell you to rely on your “supports,” which is sage advice. However, you must be honest about your support.
EVERY HUMAN SUPPORT CAN FAIL YOU
“Michael, you don’t mean that!” Yes, I do. It is human nature to sin. Therefore, you may have wonderful people in your life who truly pray and wish to aid you. With any luck, they do so routinely. But due to their nature, it is highly likely that given enough time and interaction, they’ll let you down. That is simply the way it is.
The circumstances surrounding the failure of human beings tend to vary by weight and impact. What I’m saying is this: Are you truly “let down” when you purchase a $500 used car and find out it needs a new battery? No, you’re not. Why? Because you assumed it needed attention when you bought it so cheap. You can expect some level of disappointment. Don’t be shocked when you realize your church family has the same capacity and practices the used car salesman offers. Knowing this, you naturally begin to question your focus.
Check out this video and play it a few times:
Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”
Matthew 14:22-33 (NASB)
YES, by all means, if you’re going to surround yourself with a fellowship of believers, do so with enthusiasm and love! BUT… Don’t do so in ways that ultimately place your Faith in them and their proclivities. They’re going to eventually prove to you, one way or the other, that He is your focus and they’re to be ancillary. When you take your eyes off the Almighty, all kinds of fleshy silliness follow.
I just learned that lesson. I somehow divided my Faith between Him and them. And they proved to me, in no uncertain terms, that doing so was a colossal mistake. I was so consumed with the idea of brotherhood (small “b” brotherhood) along with all the places, people, and activities that so often accompany it, that the Lord wasn’t my singular focus. Regarding the brotherhood, I can love them, forgive them, make my own mistakes and sins among them, and live. I CANNOT live without Him.
Get out of the boat and walk straight toward Jesus… Salt and light are far less possible when our attention is divided. Know the difference, and do well to forgive them in all circumstances. Love them. Focus on Him.
