Undistracted
As a millennial, I often pay attention to the many differences in the generations of people I get to do life with: What are their beliefs? What do they value most? Their thoughts and worldviews – kids, wealth, work ethic, etc.?
I find it alarming that one of the main differences between the younger and older generations is that we are losing our ability to be undistracted. For example, as I write, my Apple Watch has given me three notifications that I stopped to read. Truth is, we live in a world that is hard to adapt to because it takes longer to adjust to the latest technology, just for a new release to happen.
1 Chronicles 12 is a stirring chapter that describes the “mighty men” who helped David in war, out of which the children of Issachar happen to be distinguished for a very particular reason: “Of the tribe of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, two hundred chiefs; and all their relatives were at their command” - 1 Chronicles 12:32. Understanding the times with knowledge of what to do! Hallelujah! As leaders, don’t we all want this trait?
The old Jewish expositors concluded, that the tribe of Issachar had skill in astrology, so that they could read into heavens what seasons were auspicious for action. But the sons of Issachar were not distracted by what they saw. They showed their wisdom at this time by adhering to Saul, while he lived. They were full of understanding in public affairs, the temper of the nation and the tendencies of the present events. The sons of Issachar were able to influence and lead Israel to establish the greatest dynasty of all time, perpetuated by the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Recognizing the times makes all the difference in how we live, just ask a person that has a death sentence.
The Word has much to say about this: “The wise heart will know the proper time and the just way” - Ecclesiastes 8:5. “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” - Matthew 16:3. Though we are not called to know the times or the seasons (Acts 1:7); we cannot decide the times. We are called to be alert, to “keep awake” and stay “on guard” because “you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). We are called to understand the times, and that will give us the knowledge of what to do.
To live undistracted, you must have a goal; us Christians should have one! Regardless of the generation that we belong to, the real question is: “What are we going to do with the time God has given us?” David Wells beautifully responds, “Our objective in life is to become God-centered in our thoughts, God-fearing in our hearts and God-honoring in all that we do. This is a society of distraction. If we allow it to overwhelm us and press us into its mold, it will take time away from those things that are central: our focus upon the reality and the presence and the glory and the goodness and the greatness of God. So, in that sense it becomes a real competitor.” The stewardship of time is really what helps the goal to be accomplished, undistracted.