Dealing with Distraction

We live in curious times. While our present day has been called the Age of Information, it may also be called the Age of Distraction. Life today is filled with distraction. Between our business, our gadgets, our entertainment, and the overall demands and enticements of our day, and the chaos and pandemonium of current events, we can become overwhelmed by it all—so much so that we forget what life is all about.

Even as I pen these words on the computer, I need to stay disciplined to avoid email, Facebook, and the internet—all available at a click of a button. 

Amidst the 21st Century tsunami of technological revolution and associated gadgets accompanying its’ power and convenience, there are some unintended consequences – one being distraction. Along with the power of possibilities our tech can provide, our use of it may at times keep us from engaging things of greater importance.

Distraction affects many areas of our lives, including the area of our witness. In fact, distraction may be a powerful tool in the hands of the enemy in keeping us from focusing time on the Lord, in His Word, in prayer, and from focusing our energy on sharing the love of God in word and deed. 

Henry David Thoreau, in his well-known for his book Walden, reflected upon simple living in natural surroundings. In this seminal work he stated: “Our life is frittered away by detail … simplify, simplify.” And this coming from a man who lived in the nineteenth century! 

One can only imagine Thoreau’s commentary upon our twenty-first century information explosion, technological toys, and cultural climate dominated by entertainment. 

Distraction can cause us to lose sight of the main thing in life. And what is that main thing? Relationships. Jesus reminds us of this simple, yet profound, relational priority: 

‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39). 

It seems to me distraction is an enemy to our spiritual walk with Jesus, and part of that walk is our evangelistic engagement. As we think about our kingdom responsibilities as witnesses for Jesus, our use of time is important: 

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5).

Distraction then is nothing new, and as we touch upon the narrative of Mary and Martha from the gospel of Luke, there are applications for us as His witnesses.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha’s Distraction

Martha is distracted “with much serving” (Luke 10:40). She’s not sidetracked by evil or sinful behavior. In fact, she was involved in a productive enterprise, serving the Lord! It just wasn’t the best thing in the moment. What she lost was an opportunity for a deeper walk with God and an opportunity to serve Him more effectively.

While Martha was distracted by much serving, we may be distracted by the myriad of leisure and entertainment options we have or by the business or busyness of life. I don’t know about you, but most people I know would characterize their lives as “busy.” Know I’m right there with you! As we ponder our busyness, what activities dominate that busyness? 

Sometimes I’m so busy, I erroneously think I’m too busy to pray for the lost, too busy to spend time with people and too busy to recognize opportunities to share the gospel as God opens doors.

Notice the result of Martha’s distraction – “worried, troubled,” and unhappy with Mary. Instead of rebuking Mary, Jesus gently corrects Martha by illustrating her sister’s devotion. 

What’s the “one thing” to which Jesus refers in Luke 10:42?

Mary’s Devotion

Mary kept the main thing the main thing – Jesus. What did she do and what did she gain? Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word” (Luke 10:39). So simple, yet so powerful and transformative. 

The text doesn’t tell what happened after Mary did this. Is it possible she joined Martha in serving Jesus. If so, after spending time with the Lord, it seems likely Mary would have served more effectively, being at peace instead of being worried and troubled?

Oh, that I would be intentional in spending time with the Lord, and as I do, also committing my daily witness to Him! 

Our Choice

Distraction or Devotion. What shall we choose? Seeking Him first is devotion, allowing Him to order our steps and enabling us to “redeem the time,” serving Him most effectively. And no doubt, some of that serving will be engaging the one thing you can’t do in heaven, the work of evangelism – prayer, service, proclamation. 

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:30-33).

Sitting at His feet before serving in His name is a good principle to remember! Let’s be careful lest we get our priorities mixed up. When we are tempted to be like Martha, which is often, may we first choose “the one thing that is needed” – Jesus!

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek… to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4