Walking daily with Christ in a distracting world

I would say I can’t believe I haven’t written in three weeks, but some of my paper journals have multiple month gaps. Well, in this gap, I am being enriched by our current sermon series, Disciples Unleashed. Discipleship, at its core, is about pursuing Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. In today’s fast-paced world, distractions abound, pulling us away from a life of genuine discipleship. Still, God calls us to a higher way—a commitment to walk in obedience and surrender to His will.

The Call to Follow Christ

Jesus’ invitation to discipleship is simple but profound: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, KJV). Being a disciple of Christ means leaving behind our old ways, stepping away from self-centered living, and pursuing His will. It’s not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live as He did. Believers often forget, Christ faced constant opposition. Similar that the world around us, with its allurements, demands our time, attention, and heart. We are called to resist this pull and stay anchored in Christ, just as Paul exhorted the early believers: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, KJV). Conformity to the world leads to compromise, but transformation through the Spirit leads to Christlikeness.

The World’s Pull: Distractions and Temptations

Jesus warned us about the dangers of the world’s distractions in His parable of the sower: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22, KJV). Many things compete for our devotion—careers, entertainment, material wealth—but when these take precedence over our relationship with God, we become spiritually unfruitful. The world offers immediate gratification and comfort, while discipleship often requires self-denial. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, KJV). This self-denial goes against the grain of our culture, which promotes self-fulfillment at all costs.

Staying Focused on Christ

So, how do we maintain our focus on Christ in a world full of distractions?

1. Abide in His Word 

• This is a constant work in progress for me, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31, KJV). Regular study of Scripture keeps us grounded and nourished spiritually. As we meditate on God’s Word, we are reminded of His promises, His character, and His instructions for living as His followers.

2. Cultivate a Prayer Life 

• Prayer is the lifeline of a disciple. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often withdrawing to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16, KJV). Create for yourself a sacred space. Through prayer, we remain connected to the source of our strength and direction.

3. Fellowship with Other Believers 

• Being part of a community of believers encourages us to grow and stay accountable. This has been a huge transition for me, as I am naturally a person that loves quiet and stillness. The Lord intended for us to live in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) reminds us: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” If this part of your life is lacking, I would encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to bring the people you need into your life.

4. Resist the World’s Influence 

• James 4:4 (KJV) gives us a clear warning: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” We must guard our hearts against the subtle influences that draw us away from God’s truth. By focusing on Christ, we can live in the world without being of it.

True discipleship is about walking with Jesus every day, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him. While the world may pull us in different directions, God’s Word remains a firm foundation. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, KJV), and as His disciples, we are called to follow Him wholeheartedly, resisting the world’s pull and staying anchored in His truth. Let us choose Christ daily by taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and walking in the path of true discipleship.