Breaking the cycle: Surrendering distractions

Hebrews 12:1-3 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Ephesian 5:15-17 | So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

• Sometimes the things that distract us in our devotion to God or slow us down as we follow Him aren’t sin. What kinds of things fill your time?

• What ‘bad’ (sinful) things fill your time?

• What ‘not bad’ (not sinful but not good or godly) things fill your time?

• What ‘good’ (but not godly) things fill you time?

• What ‘godly’ things fill your time?

• Based on your answers, are you living carefully and making the most of your time like Ephesians 5 commands? In what ways or if not, what do you need to surrender/stop doing?