How to Eliminate Distraction and Live Above Circumstances

By Steve Hale | Featured in Heaven in Business

Ever catch yourself finishing a workday wondering, “Did I even think about God today?” If you’re anything like me—a business leader juggling goals, clients, and life—your mind is always on. But where it goes when you're not trying… reveals more than you think.

We live in a city of distractions. Endless notifications. An infinite scroll of noise. Even good things—family, strategy, success—can silently steal center stage. That’s what happened to me.

The Mark Rutland Test: What’s Your Mind’s Default Setting?

Years ago, I heard a message from a Spirit-filled Methodist leader, Mark Rutland. He offered a simple but profound test for identifying modern idols:

“Where does your mind go when it’s in neutral?”

Think:

That half-awake moment after the alarm.

The daily drive you’ve done 17,000 times.

A quiet moment at your desk, before your first meeting.

If your automatic thoughts always go to your business, your to-do list, or even your worries... you may have an idol. Not a golden calf. But still, something in God’s seat.

When God Gave Me a Reset Theme

Once I recognized that I was constantly defaulting to my business, I knew something needed to shift. Not because business is bad—but because I was gazing at it and only glancing at God.

That year, I adopted a simple theme:
Gaze upon the Lord. Glance at my business.

It became my reset. My compass. My centering practice in the middle of meetings, marketing, and Monday chaos.

The Bible Says You Become What You Behold

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image...”

Translation? As you gaze at Him, you are changed by Him. Transformation doesn’t come from striving. It comes from beholding. From presence. From proximity.

And it’s in that place—God’s presence—that I hear His voice. That I receive clarity. That I find the courage to obey... even when the idea sounds crazy.

Living Above the Circumstances

At my college, we had a test where we had to hold a 10-pound rubber brick above water while treading. Try it. It's tougher than it sounds. And it taught me something profound:

The difference between sinking under the weight and rising above it... is about three inches.

The same is true in life. A tiny shift in focus—from inward pressure to upward posture—changes everything.

You Are the Gate of Heaven

Psalm 24 says:

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates... that the King of glory may come in.”

You are the gate. Heaven enters business through you. Not your strategy. Not your charisma. You. So lift your head. Let Him in. Recenter your gaze.

Take a Moment to Reflect:

Where does your mind go when it's in neutral?

Are there "good" things that have become idols?

How can you shift your gaze back to the Lord today?

It’s not about abandoning your business. It’s about doing it from the right place.

Gaze upon the Lord. Glance at your business.
And watch what happens when heaven invades your Monday.

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