The Distracted Walk

Life! It can be so busy that if you are not careful, you would not even have time to sleep! This fast paced world makes so many demands on your life. The economic situation is no help either. When it comes to the finances in the home, it’s all hands on deck. Now it’s the exception, for a mother to stay home with her children.

This results in a distracted life. You try to hit every item that needs your attention and you find yourself stretched beyond your limit. Distraction is not a modern day problem. Jesus encountered a distracted woman; He was in her home and she was definitely distracted. In Luke 10:40-42 NLT it says, “But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Most women can identify with this issue. We have visitors in our homes and become so focused with preparing for them, we don’t sit and interact with them. There is nothing wrong in wanting our guests to be well cared for in our homes but when they are left alone so we can complete our big, fancy dinners, we do them an injustice. The same thing happens in our relationship with God. We become so busy in our service that we have no time to fellowship with Him. There are meetings, rehearsals, ministry, and so much more that there is no time left in our schedule for anyone, not even God.

When Jesus was drawn into the discussion because Martha was overwhelmed with her activities, Jesus told her that her focus was misplaced. She was busy with activities but had little time for her relationship with Him. So what do we do when, like Martha, we find ourselves overwhelmed in the kingdom of God?

First, we need to prioritize our activities. The most important activity is developing our relationship with Jesus Christ. That places everything else on the sidelines. If we are too busy to spend time with God, then we are just too busy! Poor Martha, she had no answer for Jesus. But there is hope. What are some things we can do to remain focused?

Spend time reading the Word of God. The Word of God is not a novel. It is a guide for living.
Take the time to evaluate your activities. They are all good but there are some things you need to let go.
Some things you do alone can be lightened if you share them with others. Work smarter, not harder.
Learn to say no! It’s not always possible to do everything you are asked to do. Yes, you would like to, but sometimes it OK to say no.
Be alert! If you find that your schedule is becoming packed again, take some time and evaluate.

There are so many pitfalls when you are distracted. In our society there are many accidents that occur because of distracted driving. Some of these accidents are fatal. Now we have another problem: distracted walking. Distracted walking is a major safety concern. So let us purpose in our minds to be alert. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP says, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Be on your guard. Martha was so busy doing good things, she missed the best thing.

Thought for Today: You can’t be at your best when you are distracted.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.