Definition and Nature:
Distraction refers to anything that diverts attention from what is considered important or necessary. In a biblical context, distraction often implies a deviation from spiritual focus and commitment to God. It can manifest through various forms, such as material concerns, worldly desires, or even personal anxieties.

Biblical References and Examples:
The Bible addresses the concept of distraction in several passages, often warning believers to remain vigilant and focused on their spiritual journey.

1. Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42):
In this account, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha becomes distracted by her many tasks and responsibilities, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus gently rebukes Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42). This passage highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.

2. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22):
Jesus explains that the seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but "the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Matthew 13:22). Here, distractions are likened to thorns that prevent spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

3. Anxiety and Worry (Philippians 4:6-7):
The Apostle Paul advises believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). Anxiety is a form of distraction that can lead to a lack of trust in God's provision and care.

4. Worldly Distractions (1 John 2:15-17):
John warns against the love of the world, stating, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:15-16). This passage emphasizes the danger of allowing worldly desires to distract from one's relationship with God.

Spiritual Discipline and Focus:
The Bible encourages believers to cultivate spiritual discipline and focus to combat distraction. This involves setting one's mind on things above (Colossians 3:2), renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), and fixing one's eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Prayer and Meditation:
Prayer and meditation on God's Word are essential practices for maintaining spiritual focus. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does" .

Conclusion:
While distractions are a common part of life, the Bible provides guidance on how to remain steadfast in faith and devotion. By prioritizing spiritual matters, believers can overcome distractions and grow in their relationship with God.1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 1:15
And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.

2. (n.) That which diverts attention; a diversion.

3. (n.) A diversity of direction; detachment.

4. (n.) State in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity.

5. (n.) Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder; as, political distractions.

6. (n.) Agitation from violent emotions; perturbation of mind; despair.

7. (n.) Derangement of the mind; madness.

563. aperispastos -- without distraction
... without distraction. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: aperispastos Phonetic
Spelling: (ap-er-is-pas-toce') Short Definition: without distraction, without ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/563.htm - 7k

1611. ekstasis -- a displacement (of the mind), ie bewilderment ...
... Feminine Transliteration: ekstasis Phonetic Spelling: (ek'-stas-is) Short Definition:
bewilderment, amazement Definition: (properly: distraction or disturbance ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1611.htm - 7k

3308. merimna -- care, anxiety
... care. From merizo (through the idea of distraction); solicitude -- care. see GREEK
merizo. (merimna) -- 6 Occurrences. (merimnai) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3308.htm - 7k

That Human Life is a Distraction but that through the Mercy of God ...
... Book XI. Chapter XXIX."That Human Life is a Distraction But that Through the Mercy
of God He Was Intent on the Prize of His Heavenly Calling. 39. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxix that human life is.htm

The More the Wives, the Greater the Distraction of the Spirit.
... Chapter XI."The More the Wives, the Greater the Distraction of the Spirit.
For (in that case) the shame is double; inasmuch as ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter xi the more the wives.htm

The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... Moreover, I feared that it might be the cause of some distraction: for I knew some
poor monasteries not very recollected, and I did not consider that their not ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm

On Dissipation
... "This I speak " that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction."
1:Cor.7:35. ... Paul takes the word which we render, without distraction. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 79 on dissipation.htm

The Sixth Season
... There is a twofold distraction, or wandering of the heart in duty: First, voluntary
and habitual, "They set not their hearts aright, and their spirit was not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

Gethsemane
... writes of him, "he began to be sorrowful and very heavy." Upon the word ademonein
translated "very heavy," Goodwin remarks that there was a distraction in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

Whether the Seminal Loss that Occurs During Sleep Hinders Anyone ...
... The other reason is the mental distraction which follows after the aforesaid movements,
especially when they take place with unclean imaginings. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the seminal loss that.htm

A Canticle of Love
... God, she would perhaps fancy she was doing wonders, when in reality, under cover
of zeal, she was doing nothing but producing needless distraction."And here ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

a Canticle of Love
... God, she would perhaps fancy she was doing wonders, when in reality, under cover
of zeal, she was doing nothing but producing needless distraction."And here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter xi - a canticle.htm

Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
... of tears, wherein to wash and cleanse herself each night, that she may grow the
more dear to her Maker as she dwelleth the further from all worldly distraction ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xx of the love.htm

Distraction (1 Occurrence)
... of mind; despair. 7. (n.) Derangement of the mind; madness. Multi-Version
Concordance Distraction (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 7 ...
/d/distraction.htm - 7k

Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... 35 Thus much I say in your own interest; not to lay a trap for you, but to help
towards what is becoming, and enable you to wait on the Lord without distraction...
/r/restraint.htm - 16k

Restrict (1 Occurrence)
... 35 Thus much I say in your own interest; not to lay a trap for you, but to help
towards what is becoming, and enable you to wait on the Lord without distraction...
/r/restrict.htm - 7k

Ensnare (15 Occurrences)
... 7:35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which
is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction. ...
/e/ensnare.htm - 10k

Enable (6 Occurrences)
... 35 Thus much I say in your own interest; not to lay a trap for you, but to help
towards what is becoming, and enable you to wait on the Lord without distraction...
/e/enable.htm - 8k

Ecstasy (3 Occurrences)
... heavenly mysteries. 3. (n.) Violent distraction of mind; violent emotion;
excessive grief of anxiety; insanity; madness. 4. (n.) A ...
/e/ecstasy.htm - 8k

Distracted (3 Occurrences)

/d/distracted.htm - 7k

Distrain (1 Occurrence)

/d/distrain.htm - 7k

Martha (12 Occurrences)
... disciple, a wistful listener." Paul had such a picture as that of Martha in his
mind when he spoke of serving the Lord "without distraction" (1 Corinthians 7:35 ...
/m/martha.htm - 16k

Mad (22 Occurrences)
... 6. (superl.) Proceeding from, or indicating, madness; expressing distraction;
prompted by infatuation, fury, or extreme rashness. ...
/m/mad.htm - 19k

What does it mean to walk with God? | GotQuestions.org

What is a mime? Does the Bible say anything about miming? | GotQuestions.org

What should I look for in a Christian girlfriend? | GotQuestions.org

Distraction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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