Distraction

One of the enemy's most valuable tools is distraction.  Distraction in and of itself.  Distraction from God and relationship with Him, and guidance from Him.

Some are easy to recognize as distractions and some are not, of course this isn't an exhaustive list, but it's some ideas to get us thinking of how we might be being distracted by the enemy:

*daily stuff: whatever I'm thinking of doing instead of what I'm actually doing in the "present"
*sexuality
*whatever it is that soothes us instead of Christ (this is as unique as each person is unique)
*probably $$ for most people, whether you have it or you don't have it, either way it can distract
*entertainment-- screens
*a disagreement about   a n y t h i n g... did I say about anything?  ... about anything!! 
*hurt feelings (any offense taken)
*grief (when we drown in it apart from God, instead of choosing to grieve with God)
*perfectionism (the panicle of insecurity-- it keeps the mind focused on self, rather than God)
*any insecurity as all of them are self focused
*trying to make another person's problems disappear, when really they have to do it themselves-- I speak of codependency here.   There are times when we can and should help, for example in the case of giving to the poor and hungry, or "calling someone out"--pointing out a pitfall in love-- then turning and letting them deal with it with God.  There is a healthy and not healthy way to do that; the unhealthy was is a distraction. The healthy way you're constantly giving it to God to be in control and not trying to take control.  And of course there are healthy non-controlling ways to talk through an issue with someone without it becoming a distraction, always with God in control and not self trying to fix... (I so hope I'm communicating this the way it's intended--its such a delicate subject). 
*stuff-- materialism


I'm sure you can think of a few of your own.  The question here arrises, how do we then fight against distraction? 

*"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  (this is Christ focused-- talking with Him)

*"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

*Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13

*also, where entertainment can become a distraction that focuses in on our personal distractions, we would be wise to avoid. such as viewing sexually explicit anything and so on as far as distraction is concerned. What we feed ourselves is vitally important! Be aware. We can be easily changed just by what we watch... more on that another time.