But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me alone to serve alone?” Luke 10:38-41
As I sit here reflecting on this day, and coming to terms with a New Year, that is rapidly approaching. I was rushing through the house cleaning and preparing for the arrival of a dear friend who I have known for over 20 yrs. My friend recently sold their family home and she and her family are headed to Nebraska. She will be staying with me for a few days before departing. I wanted to make everything perfect for her. I didn’t know when I would see her again. She kept wanting to get together prior, but I was too busy with life…I type this overwhelmed with tears.. A friend that was truly a friend. Not only that, she loved the Lord more than life itself. As I prepared for her arrival I thought about Martha and Mary. Scripture says, “Martha was distracted with much serving” ( Luke 10:40). She didn’t even have time to listen to what Jesus was teaching. Like Martha, we too can be so consumed with doing what we think we should that we miss what God desires most from us. (John 11:1). If there is anything more important than serving Jesus, it is simply being in His presence. *Perhaps she had a million things on her mind and could it be that she was possibly stressed or even overwhelmed with many things. when she approached Him, and said “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? But Mary, yes, Mary had chosen that which was good, (Luke 10:41-42). Most of us can relate to Martha and probably feel a little irritated with Mary. Is it because we are living in an age of distraction. Our daily chores pile up. The nonstop flow of information keeps our minds spinning. Our phones, text messages, emails, FB, Social Media notifications, so many interruptions throughout the day. All additions to our cares and concerns.
I want to distract you from the distractions for just a moment. Distractions are the diversions that keep us from focusing on the main thing, which is the right thing. They keep us from our commitments, aspirations, and relationships. In fact Distractions keeps us from the things we love the most. Everything we care about most suffer because we are distracted, our family, our marriages, our faith; you name it, all because we become distracted. The word of God can be choked out in our minds, and we can fail to hear Jesus talking to us in the middle of life.
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42),
Martha didn’t realize that in her desire to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest. Can someone relate? I certainly can. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you’re not spending any time with Him? Please don’t let your service become self-serving. Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking Martha about her priorities. We must be careful not to allow our services to God’s Kingdom, degenerate into mere busywork that is totally devoid of devotion to God.
God created us to enjoy a deep and intimate relationship with Himself, and while works of service are important, they must never dim the fellowship He wants to experience with us.
So, what Distractions are getting between you and the LORD? and how will you surrender those things to Him.
Be Encouraged Today!
As you serve with a heartfelt attitude of Devotion to Jesus
