"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2Corinthians 4:16-18
Luke 10:40-42
… Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha may be the easiest person in the New Testament with which to identify. She is distracted; we live in the age of distraction. Habit, hobby, diversion, entertainment, amusement, pastime, and recreation abound; we live in the world of diversion. Work, family other responsibilities are simply the tip of the iceberg. If distraction were productivity our culture would be the most productive in history. As Martha’s mind is consumed by the preparations of the day, we are consumed by the distraction of our own choosing. Like Martha, our distraction stands in contrast to the words of Jesus, “…few things are needed – or indeed only one.” Distraction is a choice, “Mary has chosen what is better.” I am vulnerable to distraction. Hobbies become an obsession for me; they consume my money, time and mental energy. Responsibilities require my best focus and become a constant mental interference. Entertainments and amusement tend to be compulsive diversion. Habit and routine become the sacred pathways of my life, my attention completely fixated on the plan. So I find myself asking these questions: What is the real problem with distraction? Is all diversion inherently bad? Family, responsibility, work, entertainment, and habit can be good things, can’t they? The answer is – yes. Diversion and distraction can be good things, but they are never meant to be “the” thing. Maybe you’ve enjoyed music from The Greatest Showman, we love it. One of the songs, a love song, points to the issue. Never Enough says plainly “spotlights, stars, and towers of gold” will never be enough without the singer’s darling. Here is the issue distractions claim much, but deliver little. They will never be enough. We are designed for deep intimacy with the Savior. Our greatest need is learning, growing, and knowing Him better. No diversion will ever compare to knowing Him. Martha, when the preparations are completed perfectly they will not satisfy your soul. My distraction only reveals my spiritual vulnerability. “Mary has chosen what is better.” My resolve for the New Year is to choose to feed my obsession with Jesus Christ. Work may go undone. The latest movies may go unwatched. My reading is likely to fall behind. Entertainments and hobbies may be neglected. Responsibility and habit may go unfulfilled. These things seem small in comparison. Knowing Jesus Christ, truly knowing Jesus Christ is enough; He is enough!
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AuthorTim Young is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sue and is the father of 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Beyond his faith and family Tim is passionate about hiking, backpacking and fitness. He lives in Southwest Missouri in the Ozarks. Archives
January 2020
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