Genesis 18:1-14; Colossians 1:21-29; Luke 10:38-42
A recent Harris Interactive survey of American adults about their use of smartphones showed that many (75%) are within five feet of their devices most of the time and that about one-third use their smartphones in movie theaters, on dinner dates, and while attending functions for their children. However, the level of our distraction by (addiction to?) smartphones is a bit shocking when 19% admitted using their devices in worship services and 12% while taking a shower. But the most disturbing part of this report is that nearly one in ten (9%) admitted using their phones during sex. We have a problem: we’re distracted.
Our problem with distraction isn’t new. While technology has increased the ways and extent of being distracted from more important things, people have struggled with being anxious and worried about lesser matters throughout history. Today’s Gospel lesson includes a woman who was so distracted by preparing a fine meal for Jesus that she wasn’t paying any attention to His teachings — a sort of ancient world equivalent of using your smartphone during worship. More than being distracted herself, Martha was irritated that her sister had chosen to set aside everything else and focus on what Jesus was saying and insisted that Mary take up her distractions. But Jesus wouldn’t let Martha’s distractions keep Mary from the more important matter at hand. “Only one thing is necessary,” He said to her. “And Mary has chosen it.”
How have your distractions in life kept you from choosing “the better portion?” What issues, activities, and priorities have filled you with busyness, worry, or anxiety to the point that you don’t have any place in your life to sit quietly at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him the real purpose and priorities of your life? How have your distractions robbed your spouse, children, or friends of knowing Jesus’ peace and love? We justify our distractedness by calling it “multitasking” and we laugh it off by labeling it “adult ADD,” but being distracted to the point of chasing after the pressing things of this world in place of the lasting things of Christ is destroying our culture, our families, and us. Jesus comes inviting you to set aside the many things that are distracting you, find His peace in the “one thing necessary,” and to know without doubt or distraction the joy of living in His love.
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