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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
Luke 10: 38-40 NIV
Today I feel a lot like Martha. I have so much to do. I've been distracted all day long by the details – too many to recount. I don't enjoy days like today. I become so wrapped up in all that I need to do… I forget what I'm doing, why I'm doing it and who I'm doing it for.
The Greek in verse 40 properly signifies, "to be drawn different ways at the same time," and I believe accurately expresses the situation of a mind surrounded (as Martha's then was) with so many objects of care, that it hardly knows which to attend first.
I can relate to this? Can you?
I know I've said many times, "I've got so much to do that I don't know what to do first." It's an overwhelming feeling that can cause anxiety, panic and frustration.
I've come to realize that Satan loves it when I'm distracted. It takes my focus off of Jesus and puts the focus on me. I end up being ineffective in whatever I'm doing when I'm distracted. I stop praying and start worrying. I get caught up in the details and lose focus on the big picture. I forget my purpose – which is to honor and glorify Him in all I do.
Don't get me wrong… I know Martha had good intentions. She was hard at work, and working out of a deep love for her Savior, and working to give the best of what she had to honor His visit to her house. Her motivations were pure, her intent was right, and her love and commitment was strong.
Luke 10:41-42 NIV
But Jesus points out to her that all her good intentions had turned out to be distractions from what was best. I think there are several things we can ask ourselves based on this passage of scripture.
When we get caught up in the details – is it because our motivations are misplaced on protecting our own reputation and image? Are we trying to prove something? Are we trying to impress?
This isn't a race between believers as to who can do it the best. I think the story of Mary and Martha can serve as an important reminder that our focus must always be on what God wants… not what we want.
Satan will constantly try to distract us in hopes of making us ineffective. It's so easy to get caught up in the details of having too much to do.
There is only one way to combat these distractions, and that is to sit at the feet of Jesus.
Psalm 46:10 NIV
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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