On October 14, 2017 Anthony Bari used the art of distraction to pull off a high waged bank robbery. Anthony left a fake “bomb” at the entrance of a bank which lured the police in. While the police were taking the bait, Anthony was in a separate part of town robbing a different bank. This tactic has been used over and over throughout history and cinematic plot-lines. However, we don’t have to go to Hollywood or the local news station to see this type of activity; we can look within our very own lives.

In the middle of His sermon, Jesus wants to remind the crowds of God’s great care. Unfortunately, we get into the habit of worrying. In Matthew 6:25-30, Jesus explains how worry can distract us from the faith we ought to have in God. In 6:31 and 32, Jesus explains how worry distracts us from the Father’s care. In 6:33 and 34, He explains how worry distracts from the Kingdom. These three areas are factors that play a role in our experience of life. Jesus never promised a life of roses and rainbows, but our worry just escalates matters to a whole new level.

Satan and the world use worry as a distraction device. While we’re so caught up worrying about worry, we become blind to the faith that is evident before us, the providential care provided on our behalf, and the Kingdom of God that offers support and consolation. Worry becomes a very attractive bait for us even when we don’t fully recognize it.

The challenge is simple. Reverse those three distractions. Let faith, the Father’s care, and the Kingdom distract you from your worries. I am reminded of the beautiful words found within the hymn, What a Friend we Have in Jesus; “What peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Tyler King