Theology or Distraction? Staying Focused on Christ in Our Walk
In guiding and small group settings, I’ve often noticed an intriguing phenomenon. When the discussion centers on walking with Christ—living out our faith and abiding in Him—it doesn’t take long for the conversation to shift. Instead of delving deeper into our relationship with Christ, discussions often veer toward theological minutiae, doctrinal debates, or speculative questions. While theology is vital and rich in its ability to illuminate truth, these detours can sometimes serve as distractions from the very heart of what we’re called to focus on: our walk with Jesus.
This pattern raises important questions: Why does this happen? Could it be more than a simple lack of focus? Might there be a spiritual dynamic at play, subtly diverting our attention from Christ Himself?
A Subtle but Effective Strategy
The enemy’s tactics are rarely blatant; they are often subtle and cunning. In the Garden of Eden, Satan used theological reasoning to cast doubt on God’s truth. “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1). He distracted Eve from trusting in God’s goodness and caused her to focus instead on an intellectual argument about what was “good and evil.”
Similarly, in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus by quoting Scripture, twisting its meaning to try to derail His mission (Matthew 4:1-11). In both cases, the strategy was clear: distract and distort. Instead of encouraging a focus on God’s truth in trust and obedience, Satan used theological reasoning to create doubt, confusion, and distraction.
Could it be that these same tactics are at work today in our discussions? When we find ourselves bogged down in debates over secondary issues, the ultimate question is: Does this draw us closer to Christ, or does it distract us from Him?
The Underlying Cause: Flesh and Pride
At the heart of these diversions lies a deeper issue—the workings of the flesh. Theologically rich discussions can become opportunities for the flesh to assert itself. Instead of seeking Christ, participants may seek to assert their own knowledge, prove a point, or gain validation. Pride can creep in, even under the guise of a desire to uphold truth.
Paul warns against this in his letter to Timothy: “Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:23-24). While theology is critical, its purpose is to glorify God and strengthen our relationship with Him, not to serve as a battleground for the flesh.
The Solution: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
So, how do we avoid falling into this trap? How do we ensure that our discussions remain Christ-centered, life-giving, and edifying?
Set the Tone for the Group
Begin every gathering with a clear intention to focus on Christ and our relationship with Him. Acknowledge the importance of theology but emphasize that the goal of your time together is not intellectual argumentation but spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”Redirect Conversations with Grace
When discussions begin to stray into theological minutiae, gently steer the conversation back to its core purpose. For instance, if a debate arises about a complex doctrine, ask: “How does this draw us closer to Christ? How does this help us walk in His truth today?”Encourage Personal Reflection
Shift the focus from abstract arguments to personal application. Questions like “How has this truth about Christ impacted your life?” or “How can we apply this in our daily walk?” can refocus the group on transformation rather than intellectual debate.Guard Against Pride
As leaders or participants, remain vigilant against pride, both in yourself and in the group dynamic. Philippians 2:3 exhorts us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” When humility prevails, discussions are more likely to remain fruitful and centered on Christ.Pray for Discernment
Prayer is a powerful tool to maintain focus. Pray as a group and individually for the Holy Spirit to guide your discussions, keep hearts humble, and illumine truth in ways that build up the body of Christ. John 16:13 promises that the Spirit will guide us into all truth.
A Call to Return to the Simplicity of Christ
Theology is a beautiful gift, but it is never an end in itself. Its ultimate purpose is to point us to Christ and deepen our relationship with Him. When discussions drift into unnecessary debates, we risk losing sight of the One we’re meant to be pursuing.
Paul captured this perfectly when he wrote to the Corinthians: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Let this be the guiding principle of our discussions and gatherings. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, resist the distractions of theological idiosyncrasies, and walk together in His grace and truth.
Encouragement for Today
If you’ve found yourself in conversations that stray from focusing on Christ, take heart. Use those moments as opportunities to refocus and gently lead others back to the simplicity of the gospel. In doing so, you not only grow in your own walk with Christ but also help others experience the joy and freedom of abiding in Him.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the richness of Your Word and the depth of truth it reveals. Teach us to study theology with humility, always seeking to glorify You and deepen our walk with You. Guard our hearts from pride and distraction, and lead us to the simplicity of Christ, trusting in His life within us. May all our discussions and reflections point to Your glory and draw us closer to You. Amen.