SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1257

“Distracted”

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

We are an overworked, overstressed, and spiritually anemic people. Satan loves to keep us off-balance, running like a hamster in a wheel – going faster but getting nowhere – he seeks to conform us to the rat race of this world. The cacophony of distractions robs us of peace, sleep, hinders personal relationships, and more importantly stifles our fellowship, worship, and spiritual attunement with our Lord, Jesus.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Distractions can become idolatry in two contexts: The World, and yes, in Ministry as well.

Worldly Distractions

Careers, studies, entertainment, sports, trials, the challenges of life – all the things of the world can become idols when they take precedence in our hearts and minds. Such idolatry hinders our spiritual relationship with the Lord.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. – Psalm 119:37

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Ministry Work Distractions

Can there be too much of a good thing? Yes, there can be when we begin to love the ‘work of the Lord’ more than the ‘Lord of the work’. Martyn Lloyd-Jones coined this phrase and called it ‘ministry idolatry’.

There is a time and place for both ministry work and fellowship with our Lord, Jesus. Balance is the key. Jesus was very active in His ministry and demonstrated how to maintain balance by often withdrawing from the distractions and the work of His ministry to pray and remain in fellowship with the Father.

But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. – Luke 5:16

Jesus encouraged His disciples to do the same.

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” …. – Mark 6:31

Martha was caught up in the idolatry of ministry as she fretted about in the kitchen making preparations to the point that she became upset with her sister, Mary who remained in fellowship with Jesus. I can only imagine what went through Martha’s mind when Jesus lovingly told her that Mary had chosen what was better. In a sense, Martha had abandoned her first love and chose works instead.

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. – Revelation 2:3-4

Making the Right Choices

Jesus made choices to withdraw. Mary made a choice to prioritize her time with Jesus. We also need to make choices to live a balanced life and nourish our minds, bodies, and spirit. We need to continually press into the presence of Jesus in all contexts of life in this world.

Press In

• Set aside quiet time and withdraw from all distractions to pray. This may require a sacrifice in rising early before the distractions of the world begin. Rising early may require a sacrifice to deny watching late night TV or playing X-box games. A disciplined prayer life is a choice – a choice to ‘seek first His kingdom’.
• Turn OFF distractions: cell phones, email, television. etc.
• Begin with worship. Don’t just listen – sing along. This connects your mind and spirit in worship.
• Read the Word – aloud. Again, this keeps your mind from wandering and focuses your whole being in fellowship and worship of God.
• The enemy will seek to break in with distracting thoughts – take them captive as unto the Lord and say No to entering that rabbit hole and say Yes to remaining in Jesus’ presence.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

The woman with the issue of blood pressed in to touch Jesus and by faith she was healed.

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians … She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. … – Mark 5:25-34

Paul also lived a life of pressing in.

… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:12-14

Walk with the Lord

Our quiet time of prayer and worship is a precious and wonderful way to start everyday life. But we do not leave Jesus behind when we go about our daily activities and work. Our time in the Lord’s presence is not a once and done event – take Him with you – walk with Him continually.

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – 1 John 2:6; Ephesians 2:10

Pray without ceasing, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18

May your Christian walk be free from the distractions of this world. May the Holy Spirit continually draw you into the sanctuary of His presence, isolated from the noise of this world as you enter into worship and know His peace as In Him we live and move and have our being – Acts 17:28