Heart and focus

Martha welcomed Jesus and his disciples into her house. But then she became distracted by doing the little things. Whereas her sister, Mary, 'sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said' (Luke 10:39 NIV). Jesus was in Martha's house; her focus at that time really needed to be on him.

But let's not be too hard on Martha because, if we're honest, we all get focused on things that aren't the main thing. Martha, quite understandably, got angry that Mary wasn't helping and went to Jesus for backup: '"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"' (Luke 10:40-42 NIV).

Martha's heart was in the right place, but Mary knew where to put her heart and her focus. When God's speaking to us, or we feel he wants to guide us somewhere, let's not get anxious about the logistics. Let's go to his feet first, and the rest will take care of itself.



So what now? Write down things you do on a regular basis, and note the role they play in your relationship with Jesus. If something is drawing your focus away from him, pray about whether you should drop it or not.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Mary has chosen what is better.' Luke 10:42 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Eze 48:35, Ps 139:7-10, John 1:14