“Christopher!” shouted my wife, “Christopher!”
It seemed as though she was only just calling me when I replied, but she made it clear that it had been some time since she looked to get my attention. I had been involved in something that so interested me, that everything else appeared not to exist as a result. Including my beloved much to her chagrin.
There was a time when I would have taken up all my time with football. Whether the real game or the simulation football game on the computer. I know there was one stage when my thoughts were completely caught up with formations and tactics, players and games, signings and trophies. It was my world. Friends would be conversing about serious issues, I would nod my head reassuringly whilst thinking about how on earth my team ever managed to lose after leading by 2 goals with 15 minutes remaining.
You may very well think I was rather sad with this obsession. I couldn’t possibly comment.
Yet it is intriguing what takes up people’s mindscape. In describing the meaning of the parable of the sower, Jesus refers to a group who remain unfruitful because they are choked by riches, cares of this life and other things (like football perhaps). Anything that takes God’s place as the Source and Centre of our being chokes us. We can get caught up with having enough money, being accepted at work, keeping up with the Jones’ at church. All that time, we miss Jesus calling us, we miss the need of someone crying out for help.
Office and church politics consumes us. The bad state of the world distresses us. Doctrinal debates rage and confuse us. The rising cost of living overwhelms is. People suffer while we miss the point completely. People’s cries fall on deaf ears. By the time something can be done it’s too late.
The solution is simple. Get absorbed in the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Get absorbed with what makes for peace. Ger absorbed with how you will love somebody today. Get absorbed with expressing the joy of the Lord in tough circumstances. Get absorbed with how to live pure lives in such a way that it is a witness to the watching world.
Being absorbed with those issues will make for fulfilling living. It certainly beats the alternative.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
right on. Like I tell my kiddos all the time – if you had just been busy doing what I asked you to do…. you would not have had time to do what was wrong. 🙂 I think God must think that about me/His children a lot. Just get wrapped up in what I’m doing “seek my righteousness & my kingdom” …and you won’t get so distracted into meaningless/not fruitful things!!! 🙂 Distraction I believe is probably the most effective tool of the enemy, no?? if our generation could get focused – I really think we could finish this mission and usher in the return of our Lord!!! 🙂