Popong 18 / Avoiding Distraction

January 18, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:21–6:2
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6 As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[b]
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

I woke up this Saturday morning feeling delighted—it’s the weekend, a time to lounge around the house without any pressing work. Then it hit me: I don’t have pressing work on most days anymore. I’m about 90% retired now.

It’s funny how habits linger. You may physically leave them behind, but the mind takes its time to catch up. I still feel that weekend joy, even though my days are practically free. Humans are creatures of habit, bound by rhythms and routines that resist change.

But I’ve learned to manage these mental habits, thanks to the Lord. Today, I’ve decided to have a calm but productive day. Without intention, idleness often leads me down unproductive or even harmful paths. I’ve noticed this pattern in myself: when I feel a void, I’m tempted to fill it with distractions, some of which stem from old habits. For example, wandering aimlessly, seeking fleeting pleasures, or revisiting places tied to past choices. These are remnants of an older, less disciplined version of myself.

Thankfully, I avoided the more destructive habits some others have succumbed to—drugs, alcohol, or complete self-abandonment. I’ve seen so many fall into these traps. Take Jennifer, a stroke victim I met who clung to an abusive drug addict. Or the older woman who, after losing her husband, spiraled into self-destruction rather than rebuilding her life. I’ve met women who traded dignity for survival, entrapped by men who exploited their vulnerabilities. Witnessing these stories reminds me how easily one can slip into darkness without the Lord’s guidance.

I am deeply grateful to God for helping me navigate these challenges. My fear of the Lord, my responsibilities, and prayer have been my anchors. Yet, I still find myself wrestling with remnants of old temptations, habits, and the emptiness that leads so many astray. There’s a universal truth here: we all seek fulfillment. For most, this comes from family, community, or pursuing life’s goals. But for those of us on the fringes—isolated, idle, or lonely—the pull of temptation can be strong.

Humans are driven by pleasure, though not always in the same way. Some are drawn to noble causes—charity, community service, or creative pursuits. Others, like me, must work harder to channel our energies into meaningful activities. I want to emulate those who find fulfillment in intellectual or creative endeavors: writers, artists, thinkers, and scientists. These individuals are so absorbed in their work that fleeting pleasures hold no appeal.

To protect myself from idleness and distraction, I need structure. I imagine a “mini-dystopian” environment, where everyone is focused on personal goals, free from distractions. Such a setting would keep me accountable, just as my work and studies did years ago. Back then, I was too busy for temptations, though the pace was exhausting.

The challenge lies in recreating that sense of purpose now. I need clear, realistic goals—tasks that bring fulfillment and joy. My ideal day would include walking in nature, reading intellectually stimulating books, and revisiting programming languages I learned long ago. I also want to finish my blogs, fiction, and health articles.

What I want to avoid are the traps of modern idleness: endless internet scrolling, aimless driving, or unproductive social interactions. Distractions are everywhere, and it takes discipline to resist them. The environment plays a critical role. A focused setting—like a gym, writing class, or accelerated academic course—can inspire productivity. On the flip side, being surrounded by idle or aimless individuals can be detrimental.

A free society allows individuals to pursue their own paths, but it can also breed distraction. To succeed, I must pretend I live in a disciplined, goal-oriented society. In such a place, everyone works toward something meaningful, and there’s no room for aimless wandering or indulgence. I thrive in structured environments where goals are clear, distractions are minimized, and focus is paramount.

Unfortunately, finding such an environment in my current life is difficult. Libraries, gyms, and other public spaces often come with distractions. And modern conveniences, like the internet and streaming services, are ever-present temptations. Still, I believe with the Lord’s guidance, self-discipline, and intentional planning, I can create an environment that fosters growth, purpose, and fulfillment.
2025-01-18 18:45:41
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