I have to admit that I am becoming quite disturbed lately by the things I am hearing and seeing on television. Since when did talk show hosts become our spiritual leaders? They claim to help us find peace, direction, and some people claim they have “saved their life”. We have desensitized ourselves so much to the world and all that goes on here –that we don’t even realize what we are watching is wrong.
Oh I will be the first to admit that I am as guilty as everyone else – I’m not saying I am better at all, in fact I am preaching to the choir with every keystroke. My heart is breaking even now as I think about how it breaks the heart of God to see our spiritual walk compromised by these things, and how being distracted really truly does flow into the rest of our lives.
Here’s the thing – the reason why so many of us tune in day after day, is because we are all seeking the things they are promising - peace, organization, a better marriage, a quieter life. We think that maybe – just maybe – this one hour program will give us THE answer we have needed. Everyone longs for peace, tranquility, a chance to not struggle with our weight, our lack of direction, our health.
The abundant life that we are looking for is not found on a talk show, a soap opera, or even the latest women’s magazine – it is only found in Jesus. John 10:10 says “…I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The Amplified Bible says “to the full – till it overflows”. Even as Christians I think we are missing that, if I was honest with myself, I don’t look at my life and see it abundant or full or ‘overflowing with Jesus’. It is really more the opposite – full and overflowing with this world and with its worries, and pressures, and problems. Wow- now there’s a sermon I don’t want to hear.
I claim to be a Christian, and though my salvation is not in question here – my daily walk is. The abundant and full life that Jesus talks about I don’t have – why is that? Well if we look at the first part of John 10:10, I think we might find the answer. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..” The thief is Satan and his complete focus in life is how he can steal, kill, and destroy US.
STEAL - What can he steal you ask? How about our time – how much time does T.V. steal from us? How much time does the computer, games, magazines, romance novels, even over-working STEAL away our time? If he can keep you distracted enough he can even steal opportunties to share Jesus with others.
KILL – I know what you are thinking – He’s not “killing” me.- Really? If he is stealing your time away from your family or your marriage – is your family or your marriage dying? How about other relationships – do they constantly need CPR, or a shock treatment to get them going again? Is satan killing your dreams because you are too distracted? By killing your focus, is he killing your body or your health because you are not taking care of yourself? (OUCH! This hurts!)
DESTROY – if he can’t steal it or kill it – he will destroy it. Satan is not playing “footsies” he is out to destroy you, your family, your relationships, your marriage, your life. If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior – he knows he can’t have your soul – but he can keep you from taking anyone with you.
So what do we do? I mean how do we have this “abundant life” this life of “overflowing in Jesus”? Well, I think – for me at least – I need to stop looking for that “abundant life” in other places. I need to stop looking to television programs to solve my problems, magazine articles to change my life, or the latest self-help book to bring me peace. And I need to put my focus back on Jesus – and His Word. I want to overflow in HIM not in the cares of this world. I want to be overwhelmed by HIM and HIS presence – not overwhelmed with life. I think I also need to realize this life is NOT my own. I need to stop listening to what the world tells me like: “I need this now” and realize all I truly need is JESUS.
How sad it will be to stand before Jesus and have him show me the people I missed ministering to, the relationships I lost, and the dreams that were destroyed because I was too distracted by my comforts, my wants, and my desires to care. You guys, I am so convicted right now that I can barely keep typing. I pray that the Lord speaks to your heart too.
Andrea
Andrea C. Parker, is a gifted songwriter and Indie artist, who shares her heart and testimony through her songs and her unique voice. Andrea has always been a singer; even as a child her mother would showcase her daughter at local restaurants and nursing homes. As a writer of poetry and short stories, Andrea realized as a teenager that her writing could be so much more. She combined her two great loves - writing and music and began her career as a songwriter.
She met her husband Edwin, a jazz musician, in NYC. There they wrote songs for several recordings with Times Square Church. Together they have written numerous songs and church musicals. They have been married for over ten years and have been blessed with two children. God continues to give them opportunities to minister together.
Andrea is now booking dates to minister in music for 2008. She is available for special music opportunities, praise and worship leading, coffeehouses, retreats, and special events.
Contact Andrea through her Indieheaven profile.
Leave a Reply