SUBTLE ATTRACTION = DISTRACTION

Attraction by definition means something alluring, appealing or enticing. It tends to magnetize the one with the attraction. From one degree to another it is like an invisible pull toward something that seems to have some level of a hold on its admirer. It speaks with unspoken words in a language that cannot be heard, saying such things as, “you will benefit if you have me.” Or, “you need me; you’re no good without me.”

Exposure to the attraction increases its value to the onlooker and stirs up the fantasy of possessing it in some fashion. The fantasy sends the needy one into strategic thinking, with the focus on ways to obtain, be a part of, have access to, connect with or achieve the desired thing or gain relationship with the desired person or organization.

The attraction begins to hold the person in a mental grip. They begin to believe by silently telling themselves, “I have to have this or my life will never be right,” or, “this is the answer to my happiness, this will make me complete.” There are times when acquiring the attraction is a good thing, like two lovers coming together in holy matrimony. Or, like a person obtaining their college degree. Other times, the feeling that the fantasy plays out, never comes, leaving the attractor with unresolved hope and regret.

Often the attraction is repeatedly sought after, with the pursuer seeming to almost get there, but continually missing it. Obtaining it some of the time and experiencing pleasure for such a brief moment, like a thief in the night; never reaching satisfaction. This behavior becomes an addiction or can be termed a compulsive behavior. The subtle attraction becomes a fatal distraction, because now the person has lost touch with reality in that other aspects of their life begin to be destroyed for lack of adequate attention.

But what about the person who has a subtle attraction yet manages to stay on top of other aspects of their life? So much so that others cannot tell (except the intimate ones) that something (or someone) is pulling that person, that something (or someone) has more priority than what is being portrayed. I think about the church of today, the Body of Christ Jesus. No, not all Believers in Jesus Christ have subtle attractions, but many seem to be subtlety attracted by the ways and things of the world.

Seems that many of us believe that we have to prove to the world that we can do what they do, and still represent Christ Jesus. Or, that if we show them that we are as___________ (fill in the blank) as they are, then they will accept Christ or validate us, the Church, the Body of Christ. And, I am not necessarily addressing the use of technology. Technological advances are assets to spreading the Truth, that is, The Word of God, to more people and nations.

What I am referring to is, people of God taking on the looks, characteristics, attitudes, appetites and ways of the world, but camouflaging them to look like Christianity or evangelism. Not really with a goal to be all things to all men to win some, as Paul states he did. Many of us are just being like the world, getting for self and promoting self. Too many Christians are confused and not really understanding who they are and why they are. Too many Christians are living as though they think that this world is what we are about; being so earthly minded, that we are no heavenly good!

The subtle attraction that many of us Believers in Christ have for the world and the things of the world actually equals distraction.

Distraction from keeping our minds, hearts, eyes and lives focused on the One whom we are here for. We are not able to influentially proclaim the Christ we believe in and have accepted as our Lord and Savior because our attraction to the world slowly and subtlety grips us, hindering us from being truly radical for Christ and living lives that reflect His Kingdom ways. That is, being all that we can be in Him, allowing Him to flow through us to reach the world that they become attracted to us; to Christ in us, the Hope of glory.

We forget that Christ gave up His life to give us eternal life. Being “born again” moved us from a mere earthly existence to an eternal reality and a goal for Life forever with Christ. Some Christians have taken on the worldly view that my statement is the fantasy, an unreality. Rather, that this world is what we should be pressing about in life. Yes, we do have to take care of the cares of this world since we are in the world. But, we do need to remember that we are not of this world!

We do not need the world’s approval, acceptance, or validation to be who we are! We need to be who we are so that the world can see and believe and become attracted to the Reality of Life, which is (in) Christ Jesus our Lord.

And this, so that they too, can have eternal life becoming mindful of eternity and taking on an eternal view of this earthly life and the Christ way of living it!

This begins, my fellow Believers in Christ, with us being fully attracted to the One who gave us life and liberty that we can lead others to pursue Him and have eternal life and the internal freedom that it brings. Distraction brings destruction. The right attraction brings freedom and power to live eternal life on earth and for all eternity!