Allen Arnold, author of The Creativity Glitch, defines this occurrence as “something that happens when our original design is compromised, disrupting our desire and ability to create with God through our presence and gifting.” He discusses how this began with Adam and Eve and continues today. He goes into a deep discussion of the dangers of these disruptions in our walk with the Lord, while pointing us to the Word where we can recognize and stop our “self-inflicted glitches.”
Mr. Arnold names these ‘blind spots’ we may encounter, even when we consciously join God to do the “good works” He prepared for us to walk in. He names several, commenting that we will probably see ourselves in at least one category. I read the list and sighed. I have found myself in most of the glitches he named. While I am not in all at the moment, I have been in many, at one time or another over the years.
Distraction is possibly one of the most prevalent glitches in our lives today. We blame technology for causing most of our diversions from what is truly important? The truth is busyness has sidetracked us since before modern technology was around. As Jesus pointed out in Luke 10:40-42, the story of Martha and Mary shows us that He was more concerned for “that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” He spoke of Mary, who chose to put aside the hustle and bustle of entertaining to sit at Jesus’ feet and give her full attention to what he had to say. How many times have we seen, heard and talked about the phones, tablets, and computers that take us and our children away from meaningful relationships? Technology is creating more distractions for us, but busyness is still a formidable disturbance to our callings.
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul gives serious instruction to both the married and unmarried on how to live. He clarifies in verse 35 that he is not trying to restrict us. He wants, “you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” NLT There are so many things that can divert our attention from God’s plans. Distractions are one of many.
Popularity is a glitch we commonly chase that can be toxic to our whole being. Are we chasing human approval and admiration or God in our work? Fame is fleeting, but we can have great influence for eternity if we work and live in union with the Lord. The Bible has some good advice about seeking popularity. 1 John 2 says the drive for it is the “pride of life.” Fame feeds the ego, which leads to pride. In turn, pride can blind us to our faults and sins. And then, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 ESV
One glitch he mentioned that has hounded me most of my life is fear. I let it stop me from my true purpose more times than I can count. Along with fear comes doubt and mistrust. These can cause a scarcity mindset, not the sound mind Christ gave us. And when we develop a scarcity mindset, we can become very stingy with the gifts God gave us to use as blessings for others. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul tells us, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” ESV As we rid ourselves of fears, we develop our faith in the Lord and grow confident in His plan for us, which deepens our trust in Him.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
II Timothy 1:7
As we search the Word, we will find solutions for any glitch we may encounter, which brings me to 1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Beware of the glitches! Blessings.
Janice S.