The Distraction Epidemic

From Paul McKaughan’s Musings. Republished by permission. To get on his email list, email PMcKaughan@gmail.com.

Have you ever come across a tiny phrase that seems to perfectly encapsulate a much larger phenomenon you have been experiencing? That was my reaction when I read this headline in an electronic futurist news letter I receive.

I see the evidence of the “The Distraction Epidemic” in many ministries and a lot of mission leaders I visit. In my own life this sickness is constantly on full display. Even as I write this musing there are a myriad of errant thoughts grabbing at my mind. The TV in the next room, my wife’s questions, thoughts about the meeting I just finished, an e-mail I just have to answer, the cell phone ringing insistently through the Bluetooth in my ear. All these things conspire to keep me distracted.

Even in prayer, distraction is my constant companion perversely stealing my fragile attention from the One who sits on the throne of the universe. That is ridiculous! The perceived reality of Jesus is stolen away by meaningless delinquent distractions. The Distraction Epidemic has me firmly in its grip.

We are so easily infected and like you, I excuse myself. After all we live in a society where 24/7 everything and everyone, is incessantly clamoring for our attention. Saturated with media, the cacophony of voices shouting out conflicting claims and touting simplified solutions for whatever we think ails us causes us to lose our ability to truly discern what is significant or understand very much of real lasting import. We are blinded by all the bright lights that emblazon the latest magical path to productivity, be it spiritual or professional. The resultant distractional blindness is not merely momentary but becomes the sickness that swallows up our very lives. We take pride in thinking that we are excellent “multi-taskers.” Multi-tasking is the skill we cultivate, the capacity we prize, while The Distraction Epidemic sucks us into trivial oblivion.

While distractions can give a psychological release and even be entertaining, they also can cause us to lose focus and become dispersive in our actions. This epidemic robs us of both wisdom and impact. Depth is exchanged for the superficial.

Evidence of The Distraction Syndrome is observed and experienced in our organizations, not just our personal lives. The latest managerial fad, ministry innovation or novel strategy grabs our attention, diverting us from our focused corporate calling. We can’t do anything without new competing opportunities or problems challenging our chosen course of action. Everything conspires to leave us sidetracked, and largely ineffectual, in accomplishing more profound and important tasks that demand corporate alignment, deep collective commitment and dedication.

I am sure you have noticed, as I have, that the people and ministries who have impactful Kingdom outcomes exhibit a passionate laser-like focus. They refuse to be drawn in by The Distraction Epidemic. They often appear unbalanced, even fanatical in their singular pursuit of their calling. Being well rounded isn’t something high performance entities prize-accomplishing their unique purpose is.

I was thinking about this, our generational sickness, when in a morning prayer time with of one of our missions we read Psalm 86, the 11th verse in the NIV reads as follows: “Teach me thy way oh Lord and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” Other translations say, “Give me a united heart.” An “undivided” or “united” heart is first of all a gift from God. It is also a path that can be learned as we walk obediently in God’s objective truth. The Distraction Epidemic can be defeated. The fear of the Lord, which is the foundation for all wisdom, is the result of this focused unifying work of God’s Spirit.

For me, the path to a cure for my The Distraction Epidemic starts with my recognition that I am sick. This current state of affairs is not a “new normal” to be accepted. It is not what God wants for people who are being transformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus.

The Bible says a man or woman suffering from The Distraction Epidemic, who has a divided heart, is “unstable in all his ways.” Our only cure is to depend upon His grace to teach us to be united in heart and focus. An undivided heart is possible. As Jesus says in Luke, if the eye or our heart is single, the whole body will be filled with light.

Finally, listen to the Apostle in Phil 3:13-14 (my paraphrase). “I haven’t crossed the finish line or won the prize yet, but like a runner in a race, this one thing I do, I leave the past behind and press on toward the future prize, that is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul had an undivided heart. The race he was running with a singleness of heart was not a ten second sprint but rather a lifetime pursuit of his finish line. Paul was not to be distracted by any societal epidemic.

“Teach me Thy way Lord and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided (undistracted) heart that I may fear Your Name.”

Your friend and fellow pilgrim, … Paul