Mark 4:7
7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.
18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Did you know that it’s impossible for the human brain to do two tasks at once? Although it may seem like we can, what we perceive to be simultaneous activities is actually our brain switching back and forth between tasks rapidly. So parents, you are 100% correct that your student cannot do homework and check Instagram at the same time. It also means it is impossible for us listen to two sounds, or two voices, at the same time. We can listen to one voice meaningfully, but the other sounds cannot be absorbed. They are only distraction.
Jesus describes what is one of the most dangerous sources of distraction in our lives: the allure for more. He warns us that the desire for materialism and prosperity often chokes the life right out of our soul. This is how it happens: God speaks, but then something subversive occurs. The worries of the world and the passion for wealth lie to us. They suffocate the truth we have heard.
Jesus cautions us that we can be distracted by “the desires for other things.” We become spiritually stagnant. Not because of overt sin. And not because we are involved in scandal. We can be great neighbors and super friendly people. We can build lives the evoke success on every level. But we are distracted: by lifestyle, by vocational pursuits, by hobbies, by the allure for more.
So be careful of the sly and slippery addictiveness of busyness. Scrutinize your calendar. It will not lie to you. The dates and appointments on your calendar with big circles and colorful reservation tabs reveal our true desires.
During these long days, do not neglect to express prayerful gratitude to God for the unbusy and undistracted personal time. Remember to relish the opportunity for unbusy family time on Sunday for worshipping together and having meaningful conversation.
Lord, may your Word find its way into my soul without distraction and without hindrance. Amen.
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