Sunday Sermon: Identifying Distractions in the Christian Life
by Minister Denise N. Fyffe
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. We are surrounded by technologies and gadgets that are designed to capture our attention and, more often than not, keep us away from the things that matter most—our relationship with God. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, iPhones, iPads—these have become a constant part of our daily lives. And as a self-confessed techie and a software technologist, I know firsthand just how easily these tools can consume us.
This is where my struggle with Facebook began. Despite my initial resistance to joining the platform, once I did, I found myself captivated by the ability to reconnect with old friends and communicate with hundreds of people at once. But what started as a useful tool for connection quickly became a major distraction in my Christian life. Little did I know that I had fallen prey to one of the biggest time-sucking traps in modern life. Facebook became a beast, consuming my time and focus, pulling me away from my relationship with God.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
Technology in itself isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s a wonderful tool that has revolutionized how we live and communicate. But as with all good things, it can easily become a distraction and even an idol in our lives if we aren’t careful. 1 John 5:21 (KJV) says, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Today’s idols aren’t golden calves—they are much more subtle, and they come in the form of the things we place above God, whether that’s social media, our phones, or any other distraction.
As a software technologist, I know how easily technology can become all-consuming. Facebook, for instance, took me only a few hours to learn everything about, and before I knew it, I was checking it every day. It started innocently enough—reconnecting with old acquaintances, sharing updates, and keeping in touch with friends and family. But soon, Facebook wasn’t just an app on my phone; it became a distraction that took me away from God’s purpose in my life.
Recognizing the Distraction
It wasn’t just Facebook—Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and so many other platforms became part of my daily routine. And, as a Christian, I realized something: I was losing precious time with God. I was spending more time scrolling through my feed than I was reading my Bible, praying, or even attending church with a clear mind. Instead of focusing on worship or winning souls for the Kingdom of God, I was focused on likes, comments, and shares. And if I’m being honest, I am guilty as sin.
Exodus 20:3 (KJV) tells us, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” I didn’t realize it, but Facebook had become a god in my life, something that I placed before God Himself. And the truth is, many of us are guilty of the same thing. We get so caught up in the world of social media that we lose sight of what really matters—our relationship with God.
Conviction: God Calls Us Back
It wasn’t long before God pulled me up on this behavior. One night, I couldn’t even sleep without writing this article. That’s how strongly God wanted me to share this truth with you: Social media can be a trap. It can consume your time, your attention, and your focus, and it can pull you away from the things that truly matter. And here’s the hard truth—on Judgment Day, God is going to ask us how we spent our time. How many hours did we spend on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? How many hours did we spend in prayer, reading the Word, or telling others about the Gospel?
Romans 14:12 (KJV) says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” When I thought about the hours I had wasted on social media, I realized I was in big trouble. It was a sobering thought. But God, in His grace, gave me a way out. He began to convict me about my time and how I could use it better. He reminded me that social media doesn’t have to be a trap—it can be a tool for spreading the Gospel and for ministering to others.
From Distraction to Ministry
Once I came to this realization, I knew I had to come correct. If you check my Facebook page now, you’ll see scriptures, prayers, and articles. It’s like I’m making up for lost time, and to be honest, I am. When God convicts you of something, there’s no room for excuses. Colossians 3:17 (KJV) tells us, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” We must use every platform we have to glorify God and spread His Word.
I share these experiences because I want you to understand that we are all human. We will make mistakes, and we will fall into the traps that the enemy sets for us. But the key is to recognize these distractions and turn back to God. James 4:8 (KJV) says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
God knows we are prone to the trappings of the devil, but He is always calling us back, giving us the opportunity to repent and to use the tools of this world for His glory.
Finding Balance: What God Requires
So, what do we do now? How do we deal with these distractions in our Christian life? The first thing we need to do is check in with God. Ask Him what He requires of you. For some, it might mean going cold turkey—getting offline completely for a season. For others, it might mean transforming your social media presence into a platform for ministry.
Our relationship with Jesus is personal, and He will guide each of us in how best to deal with these distractions. Proverbs 3:6 (KJV) says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It’s all about balance and ensuring that God remains at the center of everything we do.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, technology is a gift, but it can also be a distraction. We must be intentional about how we use it, ensuring that it doesn’t pull us away from God. If you find yourself spending more time on social media than in prayer or Bible study, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.
I encourage you today—check in with God. Ask Him what distractions are keeping you from His presence. Whether it’s social media, your phone, or something else entirely, let Him guide you in how to overcome these distractions and refocus on your relationship with Him.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that we have allowed distractions to take our focus away from You. Lord, forgive us for the times we have placed other things before You. Help us to realign our hearts and our minds, using the tools we have to glorify You and spread Your Word. Give us the wisdom and the strength to overcome the distractions in our lives and draw us closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He give you the strength to overcome every distraction and draw you closer to Him as you seek to glorify His name in all that you do. Amen.
I hope you find today’s sermon helpful and applicable to your life. I pray that the Word of God works effectively in your life.
Be encouraged and stay blessed.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?
Trust God to help you with that first step.
Be encouraged.
Be bold.
Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.
It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.
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About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
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