Matthew 13:22 CSB – this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Matthew 11:28-29 CSB – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Luke 10:38-42 CSB – While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”

Call Out Your Distractions

Worry reveals our distractions

Psalm 55:22 CSB – Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;

Martha is distracted by Greed 

Greed = an intense, selfish desire for more

Quick Application: Cell Phone interruptions

Luke 12:15 CSB – Jesus said,  “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Hebrews 13:5 CSB – Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.

Martha is Distracted by People Pleasing

Solomon Asch Conformity Experiment

Martha is Distracted by Hurry

Jesus’ Solution: “Mindfulness”—Focus on One Thing

1. Focus Less on Self, More on Others

Philippians 2:3-4 CSB – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Application: When distracted, could God be saying, “Be Flexible”?

  • Luke 18:16 CSB – But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

 Phil 2:3-4 CSB – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

2. Master Your Focus: Develop Self-Control

Matthew 14:27-32 CSB – Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

29 He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 CSB – keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

How? Know the Bible and Focus on the Bible says

Psalm 119:9-10 CSB –How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping your word.
10 I have sought you with all my heart;
don’t let me wander from your commands.

3. Start Every Day Tuning Your Ear to Jesus

2 Corinthians 4:18 CSB – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

  • Daily Prayer
  • Weekly Bible Discussion Group (daily connections)
  • Weekly Worship
  • Weekly Communion

4. When You Are Distracted, Train Yourself to Refocus on Jesus

When Distracted, Train Yourself to Stay in the Moment

Matthew 6:33-34 CSB – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Q: Can You Identify What Causes Your Distractions?

Q: What is God Saying to You through Your Distractions?

Q: How Can You Keep Focused Despite the Distractions?

Hebrews 12:2 CSB – keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 CSB – Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Matthew 6:33-34 CSB – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.