ODB: are you distracted?
October 6, 2009
READ: Luke 10:38-42
Martha was distracted with much serving. —Luke 10:40
In data collected from over 20,000 Christians in 139 countries, The Obstacles to Growth Survey found that, on average, more than 40 percent of Christians around the world say they “often” or “always” rush from task to task. About 60 percent of Christians say that it’s “often” or “always” true that the busyness of life gets in the way of developing their relationship with God. It’s clear that busyness does distract us from our fellowship with Him.
It seems that Martha too allowed busyness to distract her from spending time with Jesus. When she welcomed Him and His disciples into her home, she was occupied with preparing the food, washing their feet, and making sure they were comfortable. All of these things had to be done, but Luke seems to intimate that Martha’s busyness in preparation degenerated into busywork that distracted her from reflecting on Jesus’ words and enjoying time with Him (Luke 10:38-42).
What about us? Are we rushing from task to task, allowing the busyness of life and even work for Jesus to distract us from enjoying sweet fellowship with Him? Let’s ask God to help us diminish our distractions by making Jesus our focus. — Marvin Williams
If you are too busy for God, you are too busy.
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Loading ...ODJ: the power of gratitude
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (v.18).
READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Recent studies have shown that practicing gratitude leads to a healthier, more fulfilling, others-centered life. People who focus on what they are thankful for (versus those who dwell on hassles and frustrations) are in a better place than those who don’t. They are less likely to get sick and are more active, hopeful, and thoughtful of other people.
God desires that those who follow Him exhibit a grateful heart. For example, the Psalms tell us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 92:1). In the New Testament, Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to be “thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Could it be that one of the reasons the pages of Scripture lift up the importance of thankfulness is for the mutual benefit of others and us? It definitely appears that way! Apparently, being thankful is better for all concerned. In the end, gratitude produces enriched people who want to spread the love and joy of God to others.
Don’t misunderstand. Incorporating gratitude into our lives is not about walking around with a cheesy grin on our face, denying the heartaches or injustices of life. We don’t have to sacrifice reality to be grateful. We simply need to adopt a gratitude focus that affects every moment of each day (Ephesians 5:20).
Like everything else in life that’s meaningful, practicing gratefulness takes work. For some who have a habit of focusing on the negative, it may take a lot of effort to change their tune. But everyone is capable of being thankful. And when we live it out, we are showing the world that our awesome God is worthy of all our praise and thanks (Psalm 75:1). He is glorified and others are blessed by our gratitude attitude.
Give gratitude a shot. It will change how you view God, others, and yourself. —Jeff Olson
What are you thankful for today? Why is God worthy of your gratitude?
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