Paris Hilton Lindsay Lohan and the Cost of Distracted Living
Paris Hilton Lindsay Lohan and the Cost of Distracted Living
There are times in life when distractions are a welcome friend. As we face trials and tribulations, and the pressures of life dampen our spirits, a good move, a video game, or a night of dancing allow us to set our troubles aside, at least for a little while. Ubiquitous mobile phone usage has made texting an easy way to keep in touch with friends and family, allowing us to connect with loved ones in a new way.
Other distractions have a pernicious effect on our lives. A 2007 Harris Poll reported that 8.5% of youths between the ages of 8 and 18 in the US are video game addicts, and that another 23% of youths would say that they are addicted to video games. This distraction can cause the addict to skip meals, school, and work, and can cause emotional, family, and social problems. Studies have shown that violence in the media causes increased violence in society, desensitization and callousness, and fear. According to a recent study, teenagers are becoming addicted to texting, and this addiction is similar to being addicted to drugs. In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died and more than 500,000 were injured in accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Distracted driving is an important subject, but distracted living is even more dangerous for the soul. Hilton Hotel heiress Paris Hilton is quite accustomed to causing media distractions. She lives a libertarian life, doing as she pleases and capitalizing on her physical beauty and fame. A gorgeous model, a promising singer, and a budding actress, Paris’ life continues to captivate the tabloids and their readers. Laws are mere suggestions or guidelines for Paris. She has been convicted for driving while intoxicated, has been arrested for possession of cannabis, and was recently arrested for possession of cocaine. TMZ.com reports that Paris is not concerned about her arrest, saying she’s “not worried about it” and thinks it is no big deal. But of all of the press about Paris, there is no report of her turning to God in a serious way in order to change her life.
Lindsay Lohan is another up and coming actress that suffers from distracted living. Lindsay found fame as a child model and actress, appearing in Jell-O commercials with Bill Cosby. She has starred in popular films such as The Parent Trap and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Like Paris, Lindsay does not take the law seriously, either. After a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, Lindsay failed to appear for a scheduled progress report hearing. She was subsequently sentenced to 90 days in jail for a probation violation, and she still has to complete drug rehabilitation. Like Paris, not a single tabloid is reporting that Lindsay is seeking God on her road to rehabilitation.
Millions of people around the world are influenced by Lindsay’s and Paris’ lives. Imagine how many people would turn to God if they allowed Him to be their Savior.
Distracted living diverts us from the path to God, leading to unfulfilled purpose and to eternal damnation. In my book, The Golden Rhythm: Righteous and Empowered Living, I advise readers to avoid distractions and stay disciplined in order to reach their goals. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” In order to find and understand God’s purpose for our lives, we must learn to seek Him daily and to pay attention when He speaks. We must learn to avoid the temptations of Satan and of our evil desires, which distract us from God’s seeking purpose for our lives. God may test us, using the situations we face to teach us His will, but He does not tempt us to do wrong. James 1:13-15 says, “(13) When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (14) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (15) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The tabloids say Lindsay’s friends don’t believe that she can avoid temptation long enough to get her life together. TMZ.com reports that Paris is not worried about the accusations of cocaine possession. But, she should be worried about her inability to please God. Lindsay and Paris represent the aristocracy of distracted living, allowing themselves to be dragged away and enticed, spending their days pursuing pleasure and entertainment instead of seeking the One who can keep them from falling. Their lawyers prepare to defend the damsels’ freedom, but they are not
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