Adapted and edited from Bishop Roberto Jemmott’s monthly newsletter “Shepherd to Shepherd” (February 2013)
On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated the coastline of parts of New York and New Jersey. To date, some have not recovered from the damage caused by the storm and will have to deal with the residual effects long after recovery. It takes time to recover from such a loss; the effects and scars will be seen and felt for many years to come. Being sidetracked in life can be compared to experiencing a storm.
As a Spiritual Ironman, you are not immune from the dangers of being sidetracked. To be sidetracked is to be focused on, or involved in, things or people that prevent you from becoming who God created you to BE! We can be easily distracted; there are many things that sidetrack us but, I want to draw your attention to three areas that sidetrack our lives.
1. The pursuit of personal fame. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
2. The pursuit or love of money. “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10
3. The pursuit of the flesh. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16
Being sidetracked happens when we least expect it and sometimes it is necessary for someone extremely close to us such as a spouse, a family member, or a very good friend to bring to our attention or let us know that we have lost focus.
To be sidetracked is to lose focus on what is needed to become the Spiritual Ironman God has called you to be. When you invest your energies in the wrong people or things, you will neglect people or areas in your life that need your attention. Listen to what the wisest man wrote in his book of wisdom:
“Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NLT)
If you are sidetracked, turning back may not be easy. There may be scars and possible painful memories; the good news is God will give you the grace to get back on track. When you get back to the course you are destined to run, remember what King Solomon said, it is time to “Look straight ahead”.
It is time to reFOCUS on becoming the Spiritual Ironman God called you to be! What’s preventing you from running on the designed course for your life? Break the connection! Get back on the “safe path,” which will allow you to achieve your PURPOSE IN CHRIST.
Your Iron Coach,
Bishop Jemmott