The Garden Ch 7

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the items like the car, money, and candy according to Mr. Erwin?

They are all valuable possessions.

They represent a lack of responsibility.

They serve as distractions. (correct)

They promote unhealthy habits.

How does Mr. Erwin relate the story of Adam and Eve to distractions?

He suggests that distractions are harmless.

He compares distractions to forbidden fruit. (correct)

He believes Adam and Eve had no distractions.

He argues that Eve's actions were justified.

What does Mr. Erwin imply about candy in relation to health?

Candy leads to major debt.

Candy is safe if consumed in moderation.

Candy is bad for health. (correct)

Candy is essential for happiness.

Which statement best reflects Mr. Erwin's view on distractions?

Distractions are always negative. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does Mr. Erwin suggest might arise from a focus on money?

Neglecting relationships. Signup and view all the answers

According to Mr. Erwin, what is a key characteristic of distractions?

They often appear appealing and harmless. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Erwin mean by 'the enemy of greatness'?

Distractions divert attention from important goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implied message regarding Jay's interest in the car?

Interest in the car is a distraction from reality. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Erwin suggest is the most important relationship to focus on?

Relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does Mr. Erwin mention regarding distractions?

They can cause harm to relationships with others. Signup and view all the answers

Which tendency does Mr. Erwin warn about regarding the pursuit of success?

It can overshadow one's relationship with God. Signup and view all the answers

According to Mr. Erwin, what defines a 'wrong thing' in life?

Anything that interferes with becoming all God created you to be. Signup and view all the answers

What example does Kay give regarding family distractions?

A parent's affair. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Erwin suggest can lead to being busy but not productive?

Spending too much time on social media. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way Mr. Erwin suggests to avoid distractions?

Create more than you consume. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Distraction: A Key Concept

Distraction is a deliberate tactic used by the enemy to divert attention from what truly matters.
Examples of distractions include material possessions (cars, money, desirable objects), relationships (unhealthy or inappropriate), and activities (excessive social media, TV).
Distractions initially seem harmless and alluring, but can have devastating consequences if not managed.
Success can also be a form of distraction, if it consumes one's focus and attention, diverting it from God.
People driven by the pursuit of material success often find themselves disconnected from God and valuable relationships.

What Matters Most

A strong relationship with God is paramount.
Becoming all that God created you to be is crucial.
Maintaining meaningful relationships with others is vital.

Distraction's Impact

Distractions can impact personal well-being, leading to feelings of fear, shame, and isolation.
Distractions can negatively affect relationships with others, potentially leading to significant damage if not addressed.

Examples of Distractions

Drug use
Affairs
Excessive social media use
Binge-watching TV
Unhealthy relationships

Recognizing and Avoiding Distractions

Recognizing when an activity becomes a distraction, and understanding its potential to detract from a focus on God.
Prioritizing a relationship with God and developing a life plan.
Maintaining balance in activities that don't actively detract from relationships, God's will or one's potential.

The Enemy's Tactics

The enemy employs doubt, distorted lies, and discouragement to lead individuals away from a relationship with God.
The enemy utilizes appealing distractions to make individuals feel better in a temporary sense.

Additional Considerations

Moderation in activities like watching TV, playing video games, or using social media is key to avoiding them becoming distractions.
Creating a life (experiences, projects) rather than passively consuming entertainment can help prevent unwanted distractions.
Focusing on personal growth in line with God's plan.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of distraction and how it diverts attention from what is truly important, such as a relationship with God and meaningful connections with others. It highlights various forms of distraction and their potential consequences on personal well-being and focus. Engage with this quiz to assess your understanding of distractions in life.