Staying Focused: Prioritizing Jesus Amid Distractions

In Luke 10, we see Martha exasperated by her many tasks, while Mary sits undistracted at Jesus’ feet. This story is a mirror for our own lives, revealing how easy it is to become so focused on good things that we miss the most important thing: the presence and voice of Jesus. The challenge is not simply to avoid “bad” distractions, but to discern what is right for this moment, in this season. What was right yesterday may not be right today if God is doing something new. The key is to cultivate a heart that is always listening, always asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do right now?”

Distraction is subtle. The distracted rarely know they are distracted, because they are intently focused—just not on the right thing. We can be busy, even in ministry, and yet miss the very reason for our activity. Effectiveness in the kingdom is not measured by busyness, but by focus and obedience. Lester Sumrall’s life is a powerful example: he was invigorated, not exasperated, because he entertained no distractions and stayed singularly focused on his God-given assignment. When tragedy struck, he didn’t linger in the ashes of the past, but moved forward to rebuild, refusing to let either past triumphs or tragedies become distractions.

Our culture is addicted to entertainment and busyness, and the church is not immune. There is a real danger in substituting entertainment for spiritual substance, in both our personal lives and our gatherings. The one thing that must remain central is Jesus Himself—His presence, His voice, His leading. We are called to be a people of the future, not chained to the past, and not tossed about by every new trend or distraction.

Jesus Himself modeled this undistracted focus. He refused to be diverted by the expectations of others, by comfort, or by the lure of fame. He was led by the Spirit, not by opportunity or convenience. We must learn to discern distractions: when comfort becomes more important than calling, when our energy is consumed by many things rather than the one thing, or when we are succeeding at something God never called us to do. The secret and the struggle of the Christian life is focus—fixing our eyes on Jesus, seeking first the King and His kingdom, and letting everything else flow from that place of intimacy and obedience.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Distraction is often disguised as busyness or even good works, but the true test is whether we are doing what God is asking of us in this moment. The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing. Continually seeking God’s direction keeps us from falling into the trap of tradition or routine, and positions us to receive fresh guidance for each new season. [03:00]
• 2. The difference between exasperation and invigoration is focus. When we are scattered by many things, our peace evaporates and we become weary. But when we eliminate distractions and focus on our God-given assignment, we find supernatural energy and joy, even in the midst of hard work or adversity. [08:00]
• 3. Both past triumphs and past tragedies can become distractions if we dwell on them. God calls us to be a people oriented toward the future, always moving forward in faith. Refusing to “play in the ashes” of what was, we must look to the architect—Jesus—and partner with Him in building what is yet to come. [10:20]
• 4. The church and individual believers must guard against substituting entertainment or activity for true spiritual substance. The central focus must always be Jesus—His presence, His voice, and His leading. When we lose sight of Him, even good things become empty distractions, and we risk becoming unstable and ineffective. [15:34]
• 5. True greatness in the kingdom always requires sacrifice and a willingness to lay aside comfort and convenience for the sake of obedience. We must regularly ask ourselves if we are becoming successful at something God never called us to do. Only by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and seeking first His kingdom can we ensure that our lives are aligned with His purpose and empowered by His Spirit. [34:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:54] - Martha, Mary, and the Danger of Distraction
• [03:00] - The Right Thing at the Right Time
• [05:44] - The Invigorating Power of Focus
• [08:00] - Eliminating Distractions for Kingdom Effectiveness
• [09:04] - Moving Forward: Letting Go of the Past
• [12:29] - The Tragedy of a Distracted Life
• [14:10] - Entertainment vs. Spiritual Substance
• [15:34] - Keeping Jesus at the Center
• [17:38] - Focus and Receiving from God
• [19:38] - Seeking the King, Not Just Principles
• [22:16] - Psalm 27: The One Thing
• [27:36] - Jesus’ Refusal to Be Distracted
• [31:00] - Discerning Distractions in Our Lives
• [34:26] - The Cost of Greatness and the Call to Focus
• [37:09] - Succeeding at the Wrong Assignment
• [40:43] - Overcoming Distraction and Responding in Faith

Bible Reading

Luke 10:40-42 (NASB) — > But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
> But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;
> but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 27:4 (NASB) — > One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
> That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
> To behold the beauty of the Lord
> And to meditate in His temple.

Matthew 6:33 (NASB) — > But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Martha and Mary, what was Martha focused on, and what was Mary focused on? ([00:54])
2. According to Jesus’ response, what is the “one thing” that is necessary? ([01:35])
3. In Psalm 27:4, what does David say is the “one thing” he seeks most?
4. What does Jesus promise will happen if we “seek first the kingdom of God” in Matthew 6:33? ([19:38])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus said that Mary had chosen the “good part” and that it would not be taken away from her? What does this say about priorities in our spiritual life? ([01:35])
2. The sermon says that distraction is often disguised as busyness or even good works. How can someone be busy with good things and still miss what God wants for them? ([03:00])
3. The pastor mentioned that both past triumphs and past tragedies can become distractions. How can focusing on the past—good or bad—keep us from what God wants to do now? ([10:20])
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between exasperation and invigoration in the Christian life? ([08:00])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to regularly ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do right now?” How often do you pause to ask God for direction in your daily life? What would it look like to make this a habit? ([03:00])
2. Can you identify an area in your life where you are busy, but not necessarily focused on what God is asking of you in this season? What steps could you take to refocus? ([09:04])
3. The pastor shared that both comfort and convenience can become distractions from our calling. Are there comforts or routines in your life that might be keeping you from stepping out in obedience? ([34:26])
4. Entertainment and activity can sometimes replace true spiritual substance. Are there ways you have substituted entertainment or busyness for time with Jesus? What would it look like to put Jesus back at the center? ([15:34])
5. The story of Lester Sumrall was used as an example of someone who was invigorated by staying focused on his God-given assignment. Is there something you feel God has called you to do, but you’ve been distracted from it? What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward? ([08:00])
6. The sermon warns against “succeeding at something God never called you to do.” How can you discern if you are on the right assignment? Who can you invite into your life to help you stay accountable to God’s calling? ([37:09])
7. When pain or problems become distractions, the pastor encouraged us to “see through the enemy” and focus on Jesus’ promises. Is there a current struggle or pain that is distracting you from God’s voice? How can you shift your focus this week? ([40:43])