Focus on What Lasts

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”

─ Luke 10:41-42 NCV

Clutter serves as distractions to keep us from the things of greater value. A great biblical example of this is found in the book of Luke. Jesus has been invited into Martha and Mary’s home. Mary sits at the feet of Christ, and Martha is very busy hosting her guest. Can’t you just hear Jesus saying, “Martha, Martha, just stop! You are worried about many things, but one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 paraphrased).

Jesus is saying there are many things that we must do—manage our finances, take care of our kids, clean up the messes around the house and show hospitality to our guests. Mary has picked the best part of those many things—something that will live beyond just this party we are putting on.

When we look at our culture today, we have been able to simplify our lives in many ways by technology, but we’ve cluttered our lives more than any other generation. With all the things in our lives, we don’t make time to meditate, to read and to reflect. Jesus encourages us to choose to focus on that which is eternal, things that will outlast the many things you have on your plate.

Today’s One Thing

Schedule a day this week to spend with your Bible, in prayer, writing in a journal and thinking about things in life that matter.

Ask yourself:

• Why am I here?
• Where am I going?
• What does God have for me?
• What are some things that need to be resolved?
• What are some problems that need to be fixed?
• God what are you trying to say to me?

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