Distraction Addict
We look to anything and everything that will keep us from confronting the issue at hand. Proverbs 4:25 (The Message)
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Insight
Hello....my name is Tony, and I'm a distraction addict. It's been less than an hour since I last hopped online to check my email and scroll through social media. Now, it's your turn. As a fellow distraction addict, what is your vice of choice? What do you turn to repeatedly to divert your attention, escape being alone or avoid dealing with issues taking place inside your heart?
No one likes to consider themselves an addict. The term carries a negative connotation and a great deal of baggage. Being labeled that way probably made you cringe because that's how I responded to this sharp-cutting truth. I get it- some of you think that using a word like "addict" is a complete overreach and quite a stretch.
But, the reality is we run from silence and stillness. We do everything to avoid being alone with ourselves and quieting our minds. Dealing with our worries, insecurities, and struggles is uncomfortable, so we turn to other things to entertain, distance, and appease ourselves. What we run to reveals what we love.
Distraction is the drug we use to medicate away the problems we face. It might be the phone, television, what's in the fridge, video games, hobbies, social media, work, or other amusements. We look to anything and everything that will keep us from searching the depths of our hearts.
These interrupters divide our attention and detour our thoughts. For a moment, they provide instant gratification, but like any drug, they wear off, and we're back to reality. Once we get a taste of the distracted life, we're hooked. We want (and need) more to get the same effect.
Like any addiction, distraction can be life-dominating. The first step in breaking the cycle and experiencing freedom is being open about the struggle. Denying it or attempting to rationalize it only enables the cycle to continue and the problem to grow. Addictions aren't to be managed; we must overcome them.
Control your distracted mind rather than allowing it to control you.
Reflection
What do you turn to in an attempt to distract yourself? What makes you resist quieting your mind and stilling your heart?
In what situations are you not being fully present? What would it look like for you to show up in these places?
Prayer
God, I forget that many things are vying for my mind's attention and my heart's affection. I run to other things to avoid coming face-to-face with the reality of my heart, my struggles, and my insecurities. Help me realize how pointless this pursuit is and that life is found by transforming my mind by keeping it centered on You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.