Overcoming the Power of Distraction

I think we can all agree that life is full of distractions. And even if we can't agree that it is "full" of them, we can certainly agree that they are present in everyone's lives (to varying degrees). For those brave few who have ventured into the wilderness of pursuing sexual purity, the term full more than accurately describes the degree to which distractions exist. There are countless "other things" that are grabbing for our attention as we take each step toward a life of greater purity.

How are we to deal effectively in overcoming the powerful pull of these many distractions? Is there hope for being free, truly free, from the daily barrage of internal and external distractions? If so, what does it take to live consistently in such a place of freedom and peace? These are the questions that swirl around in our heads, yet we find it difficult to know their answers. I will attempt to answer these as best I know how, fully aware that I do not, in fact, have all the answers. But, here goes.

I think we must first define what our distractions are that pull us away from the goal of sexual purity. There are two primary categories in which we can describe all distractions: internal and external. Internal distractions would be the thoughts, memories, or temptations that spring up in our minds. These ideas or images pop into our heads and attempt to pull us away from the good work of thinking pure thoughts. External distractions would be anything outside of us that seeks to similarly pull us away from the path of purity. These distractions may be obvious, such as a racy billboard, suggestive television show, or an overtly flirtatious co-worker. But external distractions may also be subtle, such as working too much, unwillingness to say no to people, or even over involvement in ministry. These distractions, whether internal or external, set us on a course away from purity and peace.

The first step in overcoming the power of distraction is to recognize that you are being distracted. You have to admit that you are regularly losing focus on what is important in your pursuit of purity (click here to learn about the 4 Pillars of Purity, fundamental elements to a life of purity). We all get distracted on our journey, but we must be willing to admit when these distractions are winning the battle for our attention. Being distracted, or even tempted, is not a sin; it's part of life. But when those distractions increase and begin to overtake your thoughts, it shortens the distance to unhealthy, or even sinful, behavior.

Once you admit that you are out of balance, surrendering much of your attention to these internal or external distractions, you then must determine what is most often distracting you. For instance, a couple of the internal distractions that bother me from time to time are memories of past sexual sin and periodic shaming thoughts (i.e. "You're a loser," "You can't really be a Christian if you think that thought!", etc.). By becoming more aware of the specific distractions, you are better prepared for the final step in overcoming them: redirection and refocus.

If you read through much of the New Testament you will find a general theme that underlies much of what the spiritual life is all about: redirection. Because of the sin nature we carry in our flesh, we are naturally prone to drift toward that which is sinful, opposed to God. Therefore, in order to live in a manner that pleases God, we must redirect our will into submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. There are many passages that tell of behaviors associated with our sin nature (lust, greed, envy, strife, etc.) and then redirect us to what our new disposition needs to be based on our faith relationship with God (purity, selflessness, unity, love, etc.). The internal and external distractions we face in life, while not all of them are immoral or "of the devil," they often serve the purpose of ever so slightly shifting our attention off of our new man and instead focusing it on our old man, or sinful nature. However subtle this may be, its effect is destructive to our pursuit of purity.

The final piece of the puzzle in overcoming the power of distraction, which fits well with redirection, is refocus. When you gaze at a painting, your eyes focus on the color and texture of that painting. When you turn your head to look at something else, anything else, the motion of turning your head (redirection) only provides the opportunity for your eyes to refocus on the new object. This principle is also true in overcoming distractions. Just because you "turn your head" away from any internal or external distraction doesn't automatically ensure that your focus has shifted. Redirection and refocus, combined together, create the one-two punch that knocks out the power of distraction to keep you from attaining the desired goal of sexual purity.

The key to refocus, however, is what you are refocusing on! God desires us to focus on the truth, so a great place to start would be learning Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Whenever you find yourself distracted from pursuing purity, redirect your heart and mind to that verse, allowing the truth within it to point you again in the direction of purity and peace.

This article is certainly not a comprehensive study on overcoming the power of distraction, but I pray it will serve as a starting place for you in your journey to greater sexual purity. You don't have to allow the common distractions of life to keep you from being the man or woman God created you to be; free, pure, and a lover of God. May God increase your faith as you turn away from the distractions of this world, and instead turn toward Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.