Judy, the editor of a trivia publication, was having trouble with her computer. So she called Dave, the computer guy, over to her desk.

Dave clicked a couple buttons and solved the problem.

As he was walking away, Judy called after him, “So, what was wrong?”

He replied, “It was an ID ten T error.”

A puzzled expression ran over Judy’s face.  “An ID ten T error?

What’s that..in case I need  to fix it again??”

He gave her a grin, “Haven’t you heard of an ID ten T error before?”

“No,” replied Judy.

“Write it down,” he said, “and I think you’ll figure it out.”

She wrote: ID10T

I can sympathize with Judy.  I’ve been there often in my spiritual walk.  I look back at some of the stupid mistakes I’ve made, some of the foolish decisions over the years and can explain in no other way — they were ID ten T errors!

I tend to make those errors most when I get distracted, when I take my eyes off of God.  I focus on what I want, when I want it; nothing else matters. Or I get fascinated and caught up in the material things around me, forgetting the more important matters of spiritual importance.  Or I start comparing myself with others, alternating between jealousy (of those who are “better” than I am) and pride (in light of those who are “not as good” as I am).  When my eyes are set in the wrong direction, it doesn’t take long to commit an ID ten T error.

In Colossians 3, Paul writes at length about all sorts of sin that we need to “put to death” (vss. 5-9).  It is significant to me, though, that he begins this chapter talking about where our focus needs to be:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:1-2)

Heavenly Father, I humbly seek your forgiveness of those times I have gotten “distracted” and sinned.  I have no excuses, I offer no “explanation”, I merely acknowledge my foolishness.  Please bless my efforts to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and Your will for my life this day.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith