Focus on God’s Commands, Not the World’s Suggestions
One of the enemy’s greatest tricks is distraction. He loves to get our attention off God’s purpose for our lives and onto the shiny things the world puts in front of us. That’s exactly what happened in the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam a clear command—to work and take care of the Garden (Genesis 2:15-17). But when the serpent came to Eve, he didn’t remind her of God’s command—he questioned it. He shifted her focus away from obedience and onto temptation (Genesis 3:1-5).
The same thing happens to us today. When we spend our energy on things God has warned us against—or waste time chasing people, places, and things that don’t really matter—we end up with regret. We look back and see missed opportunities, bad decisions, and doors we wish we never opened. Disobedience always costs us more than we expect.
Jesus understood the importance of focus. At just twelve years old, He told His parents, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). If Jesus made God’s work His priority at such a young age, how much more should we? Unfortunately, our world doesn’t encourage that kind of focus. Social media feeds us endless stories about celebrities while ignoring the suffering of children in war-torn nations. What matters most often gets drowned out by what gets the most clicks.
That’s why we need wisdom from God. James 1:5 reminds us that if we ask Him for wisdom, He’ll give it generously. And Ecclesiastes 12:13 makes it plain: our ultimate purpose isn’t chasing pleasure or comfort—it’s to fear God and keep His commandments.
So today, let’s make a choice. Instead of being pulled in a hundred directions by the world’s distractions, let’s commit to following God’s commands. Let’s spend our lives healing, teaching, serving, and loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Because in the end, the world’s suggestions will fade—but God’s Word will stand forever.
Genesis 2:15-17
New International Version
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;
17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Genesis 3:1-5
New International Version
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,
3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.
5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Luke 2:49
New King James Version
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?
James 1:5
New International Version
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
Ecclesiastes 12:13
New International Version
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Mark 12:30
New International Version
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
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