Are You A Victim Of These Distractions?

John 6:15 - So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. NASU 

Jesus’ plan was to come and usher in the Kingdom of God as a spiritual King and not an earthly one. The people who were following Jesus had other plans for Him. They wanted Him to be their earthly King.  They intended to take Him by force and make Him their King according to John 6:15.
 
However, the Kingdom of Heaven was coming, and Jesus was the One who would usher it in. Matt. 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  NASU
 
So Jesus departed from their company. 

• Lessons For Us 

When you establish goals for yourself, don't be shocked when others try to distract you by getting you to abandon your goals for their goals.
 
This doesn't mean their goals wouldn't be worthy goals. It means their goals are not your goals.
 
These people wanted Jesus to be their earthly king, but Jesus didn't want to be their earthly king. Would being their earthly king have provided a great service?

Absolutely!
 
Accomplishing His goal accomplished the greater service. 

• Your Goals 

What goals have you set for yourself?
 
Who is trying to get you to abandon your goals and accomplish their goals?
 
There is an old saying, "If you want to defeat them, distract them."
 
You can be sure the devil was trying to distract Jesus, and he will be trying to distract you from accomplishing your goals.
 
If you set goals for yourself, and your friends want you to be involved in actions that will not help you accomplish your goals, then you need to do what Jesus did and depart from them.
 
It doesn't mean you won't see them again. It just means accomplishing your goals is more important than their friendship at this time. 

• Anything Distracting You? 

What is happening in your life right now?
 
What is trying to distract you from accomplishing your goals?  You need to identify possible distractions and then safeguard yourself against them.
 
Remember some of the objects of distraction will appear like they are going to benefit you and others, and they may, but don’t forget your original goals.
 
Jesus being an earthly king would have been beneficial, but no way does it compare with the benefits of Him being our Spiritual King.
 
Think On This:
 
Never neglect the details. When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant. - Colin Powell
 
Stay Pumped, 

Gary A. Serago
 
Minister of God's Word

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