Scripture: Luke 10:
38-40 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” 41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.
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Distraction is having your attention being pulled from what is important. It is when your mind or focus is divided, making it hard to concentrate on the main thing. Rebecca Pidgeon said, ‘we live in such an age of chatter and distraction. Everything is a challenge for the ears and eyes.’
Martha was distracted by her duties, as important as they were. However, Mary chose to focus on Jesus. Mary realized that whatever Jesus was saying had to be more important than hospitality though same was necessary and needed. Distraction is one of the enemy’s quietest and most effective tools used against believers. It doesn’t always come dressed as ‘sin’ or ‘rebellion,’ it often comes disguised as something ‘good’, something ‘urgent,’ and or ‘interesting.’ The goal remains the same, which is to pull our hearts away from what truly matters, God’s presence and purpose. Proverbs 4:25 says, ‘Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
In today’s fast-moving world, distraction surrounds us, constant notifications, endless to-do lists, attention paid to the devices, and the pull of comparison. Even within the ‘church’ we can become so busy doing things for God that we forget to spend time with God, which causes a deficiency in our relationship with Him. But Scripture reminds us, “Let your eyes look straight ahead.” God calls us to focus on Him, on His Word, and on the path He has laid before us. Just as Peter began to sink when he looked away from Jesus and focused on the wind and waves (Matthew 14:30), we, too, lose spiritual footing when we let our attention drift from Christ.
Its important to understand that what captures your attention will eventually capture your heart. As you go through out this week, be determined and intentional to overcome distraction: I recommend the following:
- Ask God for focus. God will give wisdom and strength to resist the pull of lesser things.
- Start your day centered on God. Before checking your phone or plans, check in with the Lord.
- Create quiet moments. Silence is not empty, its space where God speaks.
- Set boundaries. Guard your time and your thoughts with intention.
Like Martha, God sees your hustle. He’s very much aware of the cares you carry every day. He knows that what you are doing is important. However, He wants you to take the approach of Mary. She realized that only one thing was important and that was to be at the feet of Jesus. Connecting to Him was important, being in His presence was unmatched. She paid keen attention to what He had to say. Will you today, lay aside the burdens you carry and focus on Jesus? It is still the most important thing, today. 2 Peter 5:7 says ‘Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.’
More Grace.
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