Blue Light Distractions

Years ago, Kmart had the blue light special. The giant chain store's little cart with a revolving blue light on a pole would suddenly appear by the dog food and a voice would announce: “Blue light special in aisle 8.” And the frenzy would begin.

But in these modern times, the blue light of cell phones and iPads is in the aisles of the church. The congregation emits a glow that is not the Shekinah Glory of God (Habakkuk 3:4). And for churches that worship in the dark with smoke and strobe lights, the blue light is even more ubiquitous. And sometimes, the worshipers even lift their blue lights high in the air and wave them like so many fire-flies in a cave.

One pastor told me that the greatest distraction in his church is the cell phone. All through the service, he hears weird jingles, happy tones, and strange vibrations. He said that one time during Communion, a cell phone started playing “Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton…” It is difficult to recover any sense of the sacred while “Dixie” is being played.

Occasionally while preaching, I will give the congregation an amazing statistic just to see members jump on their phones to fact-check my statement. Wonder what God thinks about all of these distracted worshipers checking their emails, the weather, scores, and more while the choir is singing “I surrender all”?

There are many warnings to the Christian to beware of being distracted from the important things of God. Do not chase the trivial while God is trying to get your attention. In the Bible, the word distraction is defined as the “drawing away” of someone’s attention from God. (1 Corinthians 7:35)

In Luke 13:7, Jesus says that distractions “cumbereth” us with burdens that we do not need. That which we focus on outside of Christ, can often become a detriment in our lives, even good things. Consider the fascinating story in Luke 10 about the sisters, Martha and Mary.

Shortly before He would go to Calvary, Jesus came to their house to spend some valuable time. He wanted to have personal time with His friends, and to share some deep spiritual insights about the future. As Mary joined the others at the feet of Jesus, Martha “distracted herself with much serving.” (Vs. 38-42) Martha did nothing wrong except misplace her priorities. There is a time to care for others, and there is a time to nourish your own soul. Do not be over-busy in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Proverbs 4:25 (The Message) says, “Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.” In 2019, the Holy Spirit is calling all Believers to stop focusing on the blue lights, and to focus on the wonder and beauty of our sweet Jesus. Refuse to let those electronic devices distract you from the Lord. Mary knew, and Martha learned, that time with Jesus was more important that anything else.

Hopefully, you have learned that lesson, too.