I have identified specific places where I can park and keep working and studying while minimizing distractions. Though not entirely free of outside noise, these places suit my purpose. One of my favorite spots is at Imperial Beach, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean—the same ocean I gazed upon growing up in Casiguran, Aurora, in the Philippines.
Some of you, like me, may prefer a quiet, private space to work. Others thrive amid a tolerable level of noise. Yet not all noise is measured in decibels. Some of our greatest distractions come from the constant stream of information, opinions, and competing demands for our attention.
Social media can consume so much of our time that we neglect our responsibilities. Even legitimate concerns about politics and economics can distract us from what matters most. Amid these competing voices, Jesus reminds us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).
Beyond managing life’s distractions, we must consider how we respond when Jesus calls us to follow Him. Sometimes, our greatest obstacle is not ignorance of the truth but our unwillingness to act upon it. We may recognize the gospel’s claims yet allow fear, personal concerns, or postponement to keep us from responding.
In Acts 24–26, Paul testified before influential authorities about Jesus, His resurrection, and the coming judgment. His message confronted his listeners with truth that demanded a response. Yet Felix postponed his decision (Acts 24:25), Festus dismissed Paul’s message as madness (Acts 26:24), and Agrippa responded hesitantly to Paul’s appeal (Acts 26:28).
Their encounters remind us that hearing the gospel is not the same as responding to it. We can procrastinate, dismiss the truth, or hesitate to commit when following Jesus challenges our priorities and demands a change of heart.
Today, we will examine these three responses—procrastinating, dismissing, and hesitating—and consider what they reveal about our hearts. May we quiet the competing voices, hear Jesus’ call, and respond with faith and wholehearted commitment.
-Pastor Lim
