Distractions
Distractions. Are they really that important?
“Mary sat down attentively before Jesus, absorbing every revelation He shared. But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” Luke 10:39–40 TPT
Faced with a mountain of distractions. See what I did there? My photographer friend Kayla Augustine took this in Colorado in 2019! Isn’t she amazing?
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I’ve said that last line, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself,” to my dad, about my sister.
I’ve also said a similar line about others who don’t seem to carry their weight.
Why is it fair that I’m losing sleep over a group project when someone else isn’t and they still get an A?
Why is it fair that everyone else seems to have time to go have fun, nap or just chill out for a second, while I have to go go go to get everything done on time?
Martha had similar thoughts while she anxiously tried to do everything that needed to be done. Meanwhile, Mary was just hanging out with Jesus!
However, instead of having Mary go help Martha do the work, “Jesus answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all of these distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted.” Luke 10:41–42 TPT
“Are they really that important?”
More important than Jesus?
These verses hit me hard.
I have a lot of distractions in my life that pull me away from some much needed time with Jesus.
Anxiety pulls me away by making me feel like I have to get this done, I have to do this thing, I can’t disappoint these people so I have to do it now, or I need to finish this before I can go do this.
I cross things off my check-list but at what cost? I am not present, I am not focused on Jesus.
Luckily, Jesus still loved Martha, and He still loves us.
He revealed Himself to me within this short section in Luke. He saw Martha’s frustration and knew the motivation behind all of her distractions. He showed her she was loved and cherished by Him, but also guided her in the right direction.
Martha was reminded to focus on what was most important, Jesus. Not her to-do list, not her anxiety, Jesus.
The challenge for myself, and for the rest of you feeling a little distracted these days, is to read Luke 10:38–42. Then, take some time to journal the distractions in your life that are pulling you away from time with your Savior.
Take steps to minimize those distractions so what is most important can shine through — Jesus.
