One day I was cleaning the garage when I remembered I needed to put the hose away in the yard. While I was unhooking the hose from the faucet, I remembered a call I had received, and I had told the lady I would get a book to her in the mail that day.
So, I put down the hose and went in the house to get her address off of the computer when I noticed some books on the dining room table. I couldn’t just leave them lying there, so while the computer was booting up, I started to put away the books.
Before I finished with the books the phone rang and I was distracted again. At the end of the day I still had a cluttered garage, letters to be answered, books on the floor and a half rolled up hose in the yard.
I was frustrated because nothing was accomplished. It seemed that every time I started to focus on a job I got distracted. It was at that point that the Holy Spirit brought something to my remembrance.
In Luke chapter 11, Jesus went to visit Martha and Mary. The Bible says that Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha was distracted by all the serving she had to do. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister who was sitting at His feet and appeared to Martha to be doing nothing, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.”
It’s sad to say, but many Christians are like Martha. They are worried and troubled, distracted by the chores of life. So distracted, in fact, that they work all around Jesus doing all types of works. But sadly many times they are so distracted by the works that Jesus goes unnoticed.
An Effective Tool of the Enemy
Distraction is a major tool used by Satan. If he can only distract us for a short period of time, he can destroy a Christian witness that it has taken years to build. If he can distract the minister for just a little while, he can destroy a ministry. Many great men of God have fallen into ruin because of a moment of distraction.
But how does he distract the Christian anyway? Well, actually it’s usually pretty easy. He covers a lie with the appearance of truth and gets the distracted Christian to bite it. And when he sets the hook, he’s relentless and merciless.
A minister I had known for many years took his life. In a moment of distraction he believed the lie. All it took was just a moment and then it was too late.
Remaining Focused on Jesus
Why am I telling you this? So you will understand one of the methods of the evil one and realize the importance of staying focused daily on Jesus. If we place our focus on Jesus, we will not be distracted and destroyed.
Now I didn’t say to be focused on your church, your ministry, your pastor or your denomination. We must be focused on Jesus. Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up on church things that we leave out Jesus.
Martha was going about the duties of preparing a meal for Jesus. That’s not bad. It was good for her to prepare a meal for Jesus. However, she became more focused on the making of the meal than on who the meal was for.
What I’m saying is this: As Christians we need to keep our eyes straight ahead. Don’t get distracted from Jesus. Take the time to sit at His feet.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.
