“But stay awake at all times,
praying that you may have strength to escape
all these things that are going to take place,
and stand before the Son of Man.”
– Luke 21:23 (ESV)

As humans, we have a deep-seated love for entertainment. Organized sports, television, music, recreational activities, social gatherings, vacations—the possibilities are endless. We are a people who thrive on going and doing. Some of this activity is healthy and good. We need to be engaged with other people, we need to make lasting memories as a family and we need to stay healthy mentally and physically. However, if we aren’t careful, we can allow entertainment to distract us from reality. In the process of being entertained, we often lose focus on things that have much greater importance. In truth, we often entertain ourselves so we don’t have to think about more important things. I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll think about it later. I just don’t want to deal with that right now.

Even as Christians, it is all too easy to forget that this world is not our home. Jesus understood this and issued a warning to his disciples. Be careful! Guard yourselves against becoming overly occupied with eating, drinking, and mundane things. Don’t be consumed with all of the going and doing. Don’t let entertainment distract you from things that have eternal significance. Our time in this world will have an end. It is a reality that we will die. It is also reality that Jesus could return at any moment! When that time comes, wins won’t matter, nor will Netflix, Taylor Swift’s latest hit, getting your 10,000 steps or meeting your friends for drinks at the trendy café. True disciples should watch and pray at all times. We must separate ourselves from this world and be in constant preparation for the world to come. It is reality that the time will come when we will stand before the Son of Man to give an account of our lives. There will be no escape from that moment.

Gracious Heavenly Father, give me clarity and focus today. May I think on things that have eternal value and not become distracted by worldly pursuits. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.