Matthew 13.22 teaches that distractions are deadly because they take my focus away from that which is critical. So, keep looking straight ahead!
Pay attention! The precepts are choked-out by life’s distractions and by materialism. Matthew 13.18, 22 paraphrase
The Precept Explained
My ability to focus is critical.
Likewise, where I focus is also critical.
Then, added together, those two impact my growth – personally and professionally.
If uncontrolled, distractions are deadly. Similarly, both narrow-mindedness and shallow-mindedness are just as big a problem! Well, for me anyway!
The Parable
The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 uses the sow-reap mental model. However, the story focuses on the condition of the soil.
As such, it compares character development to the readiness for planting of various soils. Thus, the precepts are the seeds, while my character is the soil.
The Problem
Weeds choke the growth of what’s been planted because of a lack of attention to what’s actually growing.
So, what’s the fix? Well, I must do the hard work of pulling the weeds out by the roots!
In like manner, the weeds of distraction grow up around my character. Why? Because I’m not focused on my goal.
So what’s the fix? … Hum, a little slow are we?
Two Common Weeds
Matthew 13.22 identifies two weeds.
First, is the “care of this world…” In fact, the word for care means distractions. It’s used in Luke 10.41 for someone who is distracted and in an uproar.
As such, the word picture is of someone who is really busy, but not focused on what’s most critical.
I can be very busy but still be distracted from that which is most valuable to my personal life and essential for my spiritual growth!
Second, is the weed of materialism. Actually, the desire for more is a common distraction. However, the phrase is “…the deceitfulness of riches…” Thus, riches aren’t the problem.
Weeding My Character
So, how do I pull weeds growing in my character?
Basically, I replace a distracted character with a wise character. In other words a wise heart.
Therefore, I intentionally become wise-hearted, Proverbs 10.8, because I soak up the precepts.
Additionally, the wise-hearted are discerning, Proverbs 16.21. Moreover, they’re self-controlled, continual learners, Proverbs 16.23.
In short, I weed my heart by becoming precept-driven. Also, by exercising discernment and self-control. Hence, I choose to behave differently.
Apply This Today
Distractions are deadly because of where they leave me. At times, literally in a panic!
Thus, to grow personally and professionally I must:
First, be aware of what distracts me.
Then, release or replace those persistent distractions.
Finally, focus on absorbing and applying the precepts to build a different lifestyle.
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com