Disciplines vs Distractions

In my devotions this past week, we have been looking at spiritual disciplines. Let me just say it’s been eye opening and a bit convicting! Bible intake is the most important spiritual discipline because it enhances all the other ones. And bible intake is the one spiritual discipline that I struggle with the most. I get distracted so easily.

One of the questions during my reflection time was, “Does reading the word of God feel more like a duty or a delight?” If I’m being honest, I have to say it feels like a duty. Why? We have THE WORD OF GOD at our fingertips, and we (I) feel like it is a duty rather than an honor to study it?

Psalm 19:7-11 says the word of God is perfect, right, pure, clean, true, sweeter than honey. Yet not only do we not turn to it’s words, we look elsewhere for answers.

Let me segway for just a moment. What are your idols? Have you ever really looked at what you gravitate to for comfort and satisfaction? I have thought about this and studied this a bit. I have found that there are 3 major idols in my life: laziness, approval, and shopping. Now those are not specifically named in the scriptures, but all three are things that I have willingly replaced God with. At first, I didn’t give it a second thought. If I wanted to sleep in on Sunday morning, I justified it by saying “I can worship at home”. But if I wanted to go shopping on Sunday morning, you can bet I’ll be up and out the door without hesitation. Approval – that’s a tough one. Within the first chapter of the bible, Genesis 1:27, it says God made us in HIS own image. So our identity is anchored in Him. Yet we (I) still seek validation and approval from people. That’s just silly.

The things that we idolize in the world, are the things that distract us from practicing spiritual disciplines. Once we get a rope around those, (which is a constant daily battle), practicing spiritual disciplines can become more habitual.

What can you do today that will help you move toward more routine practice in spiritual disciplines?