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According to the American Psychological Association, our attention spans are shrinking. Why do you think that is? Could it be because the real world is becoming more intertwined with the digital one?
At times, we’ve been in situations where we had tasks to complete but got sidetracked instead. Such occurrences are part of life. Yet, it becomes problematic when these diversions occur so frequently that they impede our ability to make meaningful contributions, whether in our athletic pursuits, family relationships, or spiritual journeys.
Available data tells us that the average adult checks their phone 344 times daily. That’s a lot of time spent on a mobile device. And, of course, what matters most is how we spend that time. Are we endlessly scrolling through content with no purpose, or are we using social media to spread His Word, track our athletic goals, and increase our knowledge of the world?
Proverbs 9:9 reminds us, “Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will add to their learning.” Yet, the process of learning is hampered when we allow ourselves to be frequently sidetracked. Absorbing knowledge and experiencing personal growth becomes a formidable task when we become engrossed in today’s culture and the world around us.
So the question becomes, how do we avoid getting sidetracked? Here are three things we can do.
- Spend your time wisely. When we use our time for purpose-driven things, we allow less time to get sidetracked.
- Set attainable goals. Setting achievable goals helps to focus on reachable targets, leaving less time for frivolous things.
- Ask God to support us. Tell the Lord in your prayers that you need his support to have a more explicit focus.
May we work harder each day for Him and keep our sights on the things that matter most.
RESPOND
1. Commit Proverbs 9:9 to memory.
