Uprooting the Weeds of Distraction

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

Luke 8:14 (NIV)

God wants to speak to you. But first, you must eliminate distractions so you can hear him. You can’t hear God when your mind is crowded with worries, plans, and activities. You can’t hear God when you’re preoccupied with TV, the Internet, or your cell phone. These distractions are like weeds that keep a plant from growing to its full potential. When a seed lands among weeds, it will sprout and start to grow, but then the weeds will choke it, preventing it from bearing fruit. 

Today’s verse describes three common weeds that can choke God out of your life: worry, riches, and pleasure. 

The word “worry” really means “pulled in different directions.” 

You can also be so busy making a living that you’re not making a life with God. Don’t let that paycheck become your highest priority. 

What’s wrong with pleasure? Nothing—except when you’re so busy pursuing pleasure that you forget God. 

There are other weeds besides these three. A weed is anything you allow to take first place in your life instead of God. A weed is anything you allow to choke God out of your schedule. How much effort does it take to grow weeds? None. Weeds are a sign of neglect. If you don’t eliminate them, they can strangle the spiritual life out of you. 

God is speaking. Are you listening? Is his Word sinking in? Be proactive and eliminate the weeds so that God can speak to you and produce fruit in your life.

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This devotional came from the Open Doors: A Year of Daily Devotions by Rick Warren. You can get it HERE.