Paying Attention

Paying attention always has presented challenges. Distractions abound, making concentration difficult. Recent studies have demonstrated that this problem has increased in recent years, particularly from the impact of social media.

A study conducted by the Technical University of Denmark concluded, “our collective attention span is narrowing.” Time spent on social media actually has a negative impact on the ability to focus in the long term.

People simply don’t remember as clearly as they did in years past. Many people feel caught up in the frenzy of sharing opinions and “the fierce competition for novelty.” As a result, they more quickly lose interest in topics and find it harder to retain information.

Many believers experience these patterns in their spiritual lives as well. They find it more difficult to concentrate while reading the Bible. Their attention wanes during times of prayer. They quickly forget the insights from a sermon or anointed message.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of listening and paying attention. And we are warned of the consequences when we don’t listen carefully. When we focus on novelty, we don’t have the sensitivity to remember what we read in the Bible as we study God’s timeless principles.

Today, ask God to help you become a more careful listener and reader, to help you concentrate and remember. Seek to minimize distractions and make it a priority to focus on His Word while staying sensitive to His Spirit.