Heart Check: The Distracted Heart | ep26

Distraction is nearly unidentifiable in the moment, but it has incredibly far reaching consequences. It looks different for different people, but it has the same result - it pulls you away from what is important.

While distraction shows itself in a lot of different way, I want to focus on four signs of a Distracted Heart, and then look at what we can do about it. We are usually battling against distractions in our personal lives because it can help us avoid folding our laundry or fixing that leaky faucet that needs to get addressed. These all apply in that space, but I want to look at these from the perspective of our jobs. How does distraction express itself at work, and how should we respond?

1. The distraction of interruption

2. The distraction of talk.

Proverbs 14:23

In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

3. The distraction of things.

Proverbs 12:11

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

4. The distraction of pursuits.

Proverbs 28:19

He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.

Does any of this sound familiar? Can you see any of this fruit in your life? In a way, I want to encourage you that it probably will at some point. And really, the good news is that these things can change.

If this is where you find yourself, it doesn’t mean you are stuck here forever. Here are some things that can help you check your heart.

1. Focus on God

Identify God in the little things in life. If the weather is nice, thank Him for it. If you are enjoying your cup of coffee or tea, thank Him for it. If you see something beautiful, thank Him for it. When we see God evident in the things we see every day in life, we train ourselves to bring Him into every decision. 

2. Focus on people

Put your phone away. Leave it on your desk. Set it on the counter when you get home. Choose to leave it in your purse or pocket. Don’t allow something to step in between you and the other human beings around you. 

3. Remember that you can’t change hearts.

Often distraction stems from a misunderstanding that we can actually change the human heart. When you understand that God is who can harden or soften the heart, you begin to see early “solutions” as potential distractions.

Call it out. “While this may be good, it is not required for God to move”.

4. Be successful with what you already have.

Do you really need anything different to be successful? What if you budget was cut 10% next year. Would you have to shut your doors? Probably not. In fact, I believe that your ministry might actually get better. You have less money to spend on things that distract you from actually engaging in ministry.

5. Unplug

Fight against distractions. 

Leave your phone on the counter when you get home. Put it in your bag at work. Mute notifications. Don’t wear a smartwatch. Do whatever you need to to keep focusing on the things that are important.Protect time on your calendar.Work in a different location sometimes. Ask others to cover you while you hide.

6. Pray before you act

7. Remember the mission

At the end of the day, you can’t forget the mission of the organization that you were hired to serve. Your job is to help accomplish that mission. Remember it. Read it again. Go ask your boss why you are there. Talk to the one in charge of it all. Talk to people whose lives have changed in part because of your organization’s work. Remember why you are there and focus on it.