July 12, 2025
Don’t Get Entangled!
Whoever follows Jesus has a clear mission – and shouldn’t let themselves be distracted from it

──────────────── ────────────────

Bible Verse

“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
— 2 Timothy 2:4

──────────────── ────────────────

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re a soldier on a mission. You’re in uniform, you have orders, you’re under command. Then suddenly, in the middle of the assignment, you say, “Hold on, I just need to check out a sneaker sale I spotted nearby.” Absurd, right?

That’s exactly the point of this verse. Paul compares our spiritual life to being on a military mission. If you’re following Jesus, you can’t just do whatever you feel like. You have a calling—and the world around you wants to pull you away from it. That’s why Paul says: Don’t get entangled! Stay focused. Don’t get distracted from what really matters. Să nu ne încurcăm!

──────────────── ────────────────

Devotional

A soldier doesn’t live for themselves. They’re there to serve—their country, their commander, their mission. That’s exactly what Paul applies to the life of a Christian: Whoever serves Jesus shouldn’t be sidetracked by things that don’t fit their assignment.

It’s not about giving up all hobbies or friends. It’s about where your heart is.

Ask yourself:
What keeps me from spending time with God?
What wears me out in my faith?
What things occupy my thoughts, heart, and energy—but don’t bring me closer to Jesus?

Ellen White wrote:

“Many choose to be Christians, but they get so entangled in the affairs of life that they have no time or strength left for the service of God. Their light flickers and nearly goes out.”
(Review & Herald, 1900)

Life constantly throws things at you: entertainment, social media, likes, trends, opinions, distractions. Not all of it is bad—but if you’re not careful, it will entangle you.

And entanglement leads to spiritual stagnation. You lose focus. Your faith-life starts to fall asleep. You may still be “in” the faith, but you’re not really “on the way.”

──────────────── ────────────────

Story – “Don’t Get Lost in the Small Stuff”

Luca was 17, athletic, good at school, and popular in his church. He played guitar in the youth band, helped with tech, and joined every retreat. But something had changed in the past few months—not dramatically, just gradually.

He was still around—but not fully present.
His smile remained, but his fire had faded.
He still played worship—but half-heartedly.
He still prayed—but not from deep longing.

His youth leader, Tim, noticed. One day after church, he pulled Luca aside.

“Hey, how are you really doing?”

Luca shrugged. “Busy… finals, training, Insta is buzzing…”

Tim was silent for a moment, then gently asked:
“Do you think you might be a bit… entangled?”

Luca looked confused.

“I mean—entangled in things that are pulling you away from God. You’re moving, yeah—but maybe not on the right path.”

The “Mentor Weekend”

Tim invited Luca on a weekend trip to the mountains. No phone. No Wi-Fi. Just hiking, talking, the Bible, and quiet.

Luca was skeptical—but he went.

On the first morning, they left early. Tim had prepared two backpacks—one light, one heavy. He gave Luca the heavy one.

“You need to feel this,” he said simply.

After an hour, Luca was panting. The path was steep, and his back hurt.

“What did you pack in here—bricks?!”

Tim grinned. “Just everyday stuff. Take a look.”

They paused. Luca opened the backpack. Inside:

• Three pairs of shoes

• Two large water bottles

• An old laptop

• A magazine

• A soccer ball

• A guitar

• Two cans of soda

• A heavy stone labeled: “My Image”

Luca stared at the contents. Then at Tim.

“You’re joking, right?”

Tim shook his head. “No. I wanted to show you how you’ve been living.”

“You haven’t stopped following Jesus… but you’ve gotten entangled.”

They sat on a rock overlooking the valley. Tim spoke calmly:

“God has called you to serve Him. Your heart belongs to Him. But your daily life—your priorities—have shifted. You’re carrying way too much. You’re involved in everything, but inside, you’re tired. Why? Because you’re dragging along stuff that doesn’t belong in your mission.”

Luca was silent. Then he looked at the stone: “My Image”
That hit hard. He realized he was living for likes, for appearance, for approval—more than for Jesus.

Slowly, he began to take each item out of the backpack. One by one.

“I want to run again. Light. Free. Focused.”

A New Walk

The next day, they continued hiking—with light backpacks.
Luca talked about his faith, his doubts, his longing.
Tim listened. They prayed together.

At the summit, Luca raised his arms wide.

“I don’t want to be entangled anymore,” he said out loud.
“I’m not just a follower. I’m a soldier. I belong to Jesus.”

When they returned Sunday evening, Luca looked tired—but different. Clearer. Straighter. Bolder.

His friends noticed. Not because of big words—
but because Luca was no longer available for everything…
He was ready for the right things.

──────────────── ────────────────

Thoughts on the Story

Maybe you’re like Luca: You love Jesus—but you’ve grown tired.
Not because God is far—but because you’re carrying too much.

Entanglement isn’t always sin.
Sometimes it’s just too much “good stuff” that’s replaced what’s best.

Jesus is calling you—not just to closeness, but to clarity.
Not just to love, but to priority.

──────────────── ────────────────

Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?

• What’s your “unnecessary backpack”?

• Are there things you need to let go of so you can live more freely in faith?

• Are you living as a “spectator” or as someone truly “on mission” for God?

──────────────── ────────────────

Today’s Reflections

• Identify what spiritually distracts you in daily life

• Make a list: What really matters—and what can go?

• Ask God to give you a clear focus

• Ask yourself each day: “Am I living today in a way that pleases my King?”

──────────────── ────────────────

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You have called me to follow You—not just with words, but with my whole life.
I don’t want to get entangled in things that pull me away from You.
Help me find the courage to lay down my burdens.
Teach me to see clearly what truly matters.
Make my heart free for Your service, for Your love, and for Your plan.
I want to live in a way that pleases You.
In Your name I pray, Amen.

──────────────── ───────────────

Takeaway

“Those who get entangled stand still – but those who follow Jesus stay in motion.”

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-07-25-dont-get-entangled-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/