Distracted

Thursday, March 23, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour"1 (Lyrics)

Luke 10:38-42 – As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But 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 only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (NIV)

Have you noticed while driving in the city or on the highway how some cars veer off to the right or left? It never comforts me when I see cars leaving their lane and crossing the line into oncoming traffic. Most of the time, the offending drivers catch themselves and yank the car back inside the lane. Why is it so hard to stay within the lines of the traffic lanes? In a word: distraction.

It is common knowledge that we live and breathe in a distracting and distracted world. People who are distracted by their smartphone antics (calling or texting while driving) are endangering themselves and others by erratic driving. Instead of focusing on the important things, some folks feel that they can ignore the important and be distracted by the lesser issues.

In the story of Mary and Martha, we see the impact of distraction. Yes, Martha was distracted. She gave in to the lesser matter of hospitality for the more important matter of Jesus' presence and teaching. Mary got it! Martha was distracted. Jesus said as much!

Just think how many ways that people can be sidetracked from the greater issue by the lesser! Are we distracted away from prayer by some urgent problem? Are we diverted from our devotional time by the attraction of e-mail or social media? Are our thoughts pre-occupied by recent hurtful statements made by a family member or friend?

As days unfold during the week ask yourself: In what ways am I distracted away from spending time with Jesus and His welcoming presence in prayer and Scripture reading?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess that too easily we lose our proper focus. Help us to be more like Mary and less like Martha when we are tempted to be distracted from Your presence. We ask for Your help today. Amen.

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About the author:

Karl Csaszar <csaszar1@nb.sympatico.ca>
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen Karl.


    Well done but people are not taught to put things in order of importance.


    Thanks Karl for this reminder to stick with what’s important, time with the Lord. Blessings.


    Thanks Karl for not being too distracted to take time to write!
    Blessings.


    Karl – thank you for this message today. We live in a world of distractions. I really needed this focus today. God Bless you.


    Karl: This devotional was so timely. And, true to form, I was distracted by texts while I was reading it. What a great, relevant, reminder for all of us living in a digital age. Thank you!
    Blessings.


    Hi Karl,
    Thanks for your devotional contribution this morning. So true the high number of distractions in our world and how easily we can be distracted when we should be focused on what is really important. How wonderful it would be if more focus was on Jesus, our precious Lord and Saviour than all the mundane things about us.
    Speaking of distracted driving there was just a report this morning on the high number of tickets issued in Vancouver to people driving and talking on their cell phones. Very hazardous distraction.
    Lord’s blessings to you.


    Dear Carl Csaszar,
    Thank you for a truly Biblical devotional, emphasizing the importance of putting first the relationship with Jesus and learning his way.
    There will be time enough for all necessities when we put first the most necessary.
    Keep writing for God’s sake. Amen.

 



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