Our Daily Bread

Battling distractions

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. v. 42 Every day I drive the same highway to and from the office, and every day I see an alarming number of distracted drivers. Usually they’re talking on the phone or texting, but I have also seen people reading the newspaper, putting on makeup, and eating a bowl of cereal while trying to maneuver a car at 70+ miles per hour! In some circumstances, distractions are fleeting and harmless. In a moving vehicle, they can kill.

Sometimes distractions can be a problem in our relationship with God. In fact, that was the concern Jesus had for His friend Martha. She “was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” for a meal (Luke 10:40). When she complained about her sister Mary’s lack of help (apparently due to her devotion to Christ and His teaching), Jesus told her, “Martha, Martha, 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” (vv.41-42).

Martha’s distractions were wellintentioned. But she was missing the opportunity to listen to Jesus and enjoy His presence. He is deserving of our deepest devotion, and He alone can fully enable us to overcome any of life’s distractions. — Bill Crowder

Lord, I want a heart like Mary’s — that takes time to sit at Your feet to learn from You and be close to You. And I want a heart like Martha’s — that takes time to serve You, the One I love.

READ: Luke 10:38-42 If you want to be miserable, look within; distracted, look around; peaceful, look up.

The Bible in one year: • Leviticus 25 • Mark 1:23-45