Transforming Priorities: Embracing Jesus Amidst Busyness

 

Summary

In the midst of the chaos and devastation caused by the wildfires, our community has shown incredible resilience and compassion. The outpouring of support and willingness to help from our church family has been truly inspiring. This is a testament to living out our faith, not just attending church but being the church, embodying the love and actions of Jesus in times of crisis. As we navigate these challenging times, let us continue to stay engaged and ready to serve, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger, ongoing mission.

Reflecting on a personal experience, I shared a humorous yet insightful story about sneaking snacks into a movie theater, which led to a deeper analogy about transformation. Just as popcorn changes from the inside out, so too does our spiritual transformation occur from within. The Holy Spirit works in us, pressing against the shell of our lives until we are transformed to look more like Jesus. This transformation is a gradual process, requiring us to continually reorient our hearts towards God.

As we enter a new year, the goal is not merely to change with the calendar but to turn towards Jesus, striving to become more like Him. However, distractions and vices can derail us from this path. The ancient concept of the seven deadly sins, though not directly from scripture, highlights the vices that can grip our souls. In our modern context, busyness is a significant vice that hinders our spiritual growth and relationships.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 illustrates the tension between busyness and devotion. While Martha was distracted by her tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, prioritizing her relationship with Him. This story challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we prioritize. Busyness can be the enemy of focus, empathy, peace, and joy. It can lead us to neglect the things that truly matter, such as our relationship with Jesus and our loved ones.

As we embark on this new year, let us be intentional about our priorities. Let us ask ourselves what only we can do and ensure that our schedules reflect our commitment to Jesus. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from being with Him and becoming more like Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation from Within: Just as popcorn pops from the inside out, our spiritual transformation occurs from within. The Holy Spirit works in us, pressing against the shell of our lives until we are transformed to look more like Jesus. This process requires continual reorientation of our hearts towards God. [38:56]

2. The Danger of Busyness: Busyness is a modern vice that can derail our spiritual growth and relationships. It is the enemy of focus, empathy, peace, and joy. We must be vigilant in managing our schedules and priorities to ensure that we are not distracted from our relationship with Jesus. [52:09]

3. Prioritizing Jesus: The story of Mary and Martha teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus over the busyness of life. Mary chose the better portion by sitting at Jesus' feet, reminding us to focus on what truly matters. [50:17]

4. The Power of Saying No: To combat busyness, we must learn to say no to things that distract us from our priorities. By doing so, we can create space for what truly matters, such as our relationship with Jesus and our loved ones. [01:00:10]

5. Living with Intentionality: As we enter a new year, let us be intentional about our priorities. Let us ask ourselves what only we can do and ensure that our schedules reflect our commitment to Jesus. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from being with Him and becoming more like Him. [01:09:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Community Response to Wildfires
[03:30] - Movie Theater Analogy
[07:15] - Transformation from Within
[12:00] - New Year, New Beginnings
[15:45] - The Seven Deadly Sins
[20:30] - The Story of Mary and Martha
[25:00] - The Danger of Busyness
[30:15] - Prioritizing Jesus
[35:00] - The Power of Saying No
[40:00] - Living with Intentionality
[45:30] - Questions for Reflection
[50:00] - Closing Prayer
[55:00] - Communion Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 10:38-42
- Hebrews 12:1-2

#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Mary and Martha, what was Martha's main concern, and how did Jesus respond to her? [50:17]
2. According to the sermon, what analogy was used to describe spiritual transformation, and how does it relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [38:56]
3. What does the writer of Hebrews suggest we do to run the race set before us? [40:13]
4. How did the sermon describe the impact of busyness on our spiritual lives and relationships? [52:09]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Mary and Martha illustrate the tension between busyness and devotion to Jesus? What can we learn from Mary's choice? [50:17]
2. The sermon mentioned the seven deadly sins and their modern equivalents. How might busyness be considered a vice in today's context? [40:13]
3. What does it mean to experience transformation from the inside out, and how can this process be seen in our daily lives? [38:56]
4. How can the concept of "saying no" to certain activities help us prioritize our relationship with Jesus? [01:00:10]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there activities or commitments that distract you from spending time with Jesus? How can you adjust your priorities this week? [52:09]
2. Consider the analogy of popcorn transformation. What areas of your life need the Holy Spirit's work to bring about change from the inside out? [38:56]
3. How can you create intentional moments in your day to sit at Jesus' feet, like Mary did? What practical steps can you take to make this a reality? [50:17]
4. Identify one area where busyness has negatively impacted your relationships. What specific actions can you take to restore focus and empathy in that area? [58:09]
5. What are some non-negotiables you can establish in your life to ensure that your relationship with Jesus remains a priority? [01:03:48]
6. Think about a recent time when you felt overwhelmed by busyness. How did it affect your peace and joy? What changes can you make to prevent this in the future? [01:01:34]
7. How can you involve your family or community in helping you stay accountable to your spiritual priorities? What role can they play in supporting your journey? [01:09:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Begins Within
Our spiritual transformation is akin to the process of popcorn popping, where change starts from within. The Holy Spirit works in us, pressing against the shell of our lives until we are transformed to look more like Jesus. This transformation is not instantaneous but a gradual process that requires us to continually reorient our hearts towards God. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we begin to see changes in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes, reflecting more of Christ's character. This inner transformation is essential for living out our faith authentically and impacting the world around us. [38:56]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to change? How can you cooperate with Him in this transformation process today?


Day 2: The Trap of Busyness
Busyness is a modern vice that can derail our spiritual growth and relationships. It is the enemy of focus, empathy, peace, and joy. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become consumed by tasks and responsibilities, leaving little room for what truly matters. This constant state of busyness can lead us to neglect our relationship with Jesus and our loved ones. To combat this, we must be vigilant in managing our schedules and priorities, ensuring that we are not distracted from our spiritual journey. By doing so, we can create space for meaningful connections and spiritual growth. [52:09]

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one activity or commitment in your life that contributes to unnecessary busyness. How can you adjust your schedule to prioritize your relationship with Jesus and others?


Day 3: Choosing the Better Portion
The story of Mary and Martha illustrates the tension between busyness and devotion. While Martha was distracted by her tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, prioritizing her relationship with Him. This story challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we prioritize. In a world that values productivity and achievement, it can be difficult to choose the "better portion" of spending time with Jesus. However, by doing so, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from being in His presence. [50:17]

"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:41-42, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you intentionally carve out time to sit at Jesus' feet and nurture your relationship with Him?


Day 4: The Power of Saying No
To combat busyness, we must learn to say no to things that distract us from our priorities. This requires discernment and courage, as it often means going against societal expectations or disappointing others. However, by saying no to certain commitments, we can create space for what truly matters, such as our relationship with Jesus and our loved ones. This intentionality allows us to focus on our spiritual growth and live a life that aligns with our values and purpose. [01:00:10]

"Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil." (Matthew 5:37, ESV)

Reflection: What is one commitment or activity you need to say no to in order to prioritize your spiritual growth and relationships? How can you communicate this decision with grace and clarity?


Day 5: Living with Intentionality
As we enter a new year, let us be intentional about our priorities. This involves asking ourselves what only we can do and ensuring that our schedules reflect our commitment to Jesus. By living with intentionality, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from being with Him and becoming more like Him. This requires regular reflection and adjustment, as we seek to align our lives with God's purposes. As we do so, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities and the world. [01:09:03]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live more intentionally in your relationship with Jesus this week? How can you ensure that your daily actions align with this intention?

Quotes

thank you annie i have been amazed this week by the outpouring of prayer and support for the la community while we're somewhat distanced from it it's still impacted our community here we have several firefighters who are right now fighting those fires just north of us we have families who have loved ones who've lost everything and what has encouraged me throughout this week as i've seen likely you've seen as well just the devastation from all of these fires what you may not have seen is how our church family has stepped up our email inboxes have been full of hey put me in coach i'm ready to help do you need supplies do you need cash do you need what is it and i'm just so encouraged that the church is being the church not just coming to church not just not just showing up in a church environment but being in and and doing things just like jesus and so i say all of that to say with when it comes to some of the wildfire and the impact and the devastation there um a couple of words for you stay tuned uh because there there are more things that we're working on uh than just hey scan a qr code this is this is a step this is a part it's just not all so thank you for how you've been the church and loved and lived like jesus in this devastating time [00:32:06]

if you're a follower of Jesus if you are in Christ if you are a Christian if you've put your faith and trust in Jesus then you have the Holy Spirit inside of you and as we live more and more like Jesus our our inside heats up and the spirit presses against the shell of our lives until we look totally different than we used to because the truth is the reality is transformation happens from the inside out it's not just an instantaneous thing it's more marinade than microwave but as we keep reorienting our hearts back to God and as we keep reorienting our hearts back to God we're going to [00:35:21]

And listen, new beginnings don't start with the turn of a calendar page. New beginnings start with turning to Jesus. And that's what our goal is, isn't it? Maybe I should ask it as a question. Is your goal this new year to be more and more like Jesus? Like that one thing, if we could have one thing that we wanted, one thing that our hearts desire, one thing that we're pursuing and aiming for this year, is it just to become more and more like Jesus in this year? [00:38:47]

There are things that distance us from that. There are things that derail us, in fact, from being and becoming more like Jesus. In the fourth century, Evagrius Ponticus, which, if you're pregnant and looking for a baby name, it turns out that name is available, Evagrius Ponticus was a fourth century Christian monk in the area now known as Turkey. And he came up with this list of eight passions that he believed could lead people astray from following Jesus. [00:39:36]

Martha, it says, was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Jesus and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve all alone? And she said, I don't care. Then tell her to help me. But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you're anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. There are many things, Jesus says, that are distracting you, Martha, but one thing you need to focus on. [00:52:41]

What is it that only you can do? And answer that. Let me give you some possible answers. Only you are in charge of growing your relationship with Jesus. Only you are in charge of growing your relationship with Jesus. Not me. Not any of the pastors or the staff. Not your small group leader. Not your favorite pastor and theologian on YouTube, which I know for all of you is me, and that's sweet, and thank you for that. [00:55:47]

And being in charge of a schedule is an active practice. You get to determine what goes on and what doesn't go on in your week. You get to choose and determine what your family does and what your family doesn't. Busy is the enemy of focus. Busy is the enemy of empathy. But busy is also the enemy of peace and joy. [01:01:21]

Think about the questions that we ask ourselves when we're overwhelmed. Overwhelmed and busy in life. Questions like, well, what if this all doesn't get done? What if I don't get the project finished? What if the house doesn't get cleaned? What if the kids don't enroll in travel sports? Answer those questions. Because when we answer these hypothetical questions in our lives, it removes the teeth from the enemy. [01:01:38]

You can say that Jesus is important but I can tell you what's most important. I can tell you what's most important to you by what you say no to. Eric Liddell was at the top of his athletic career when he got an invitation to the Olympics and he took that invitation and he made it all throughout the time trials until he was in the finals of the 100 meter dash. Those finals for Eric Liddell, the gold medal final came on a Sunday. [01:06:36]

There's a young forester who started the day early and kept going all throughout the day just cutting down tree after tree after tree, never stopping for a break, never stopping for lunch, never stopping for anything. And then there was the older, the younger forester who started by sharpening his saw and he cut some trees down and then he took a break and he rested, sharpened his saw and then got back to it. At the end of the day, the older forester ended up cutting down more trees than the younger forester who never took a break, who never sharpened his saw, who never stopped for any reason. [01:07:53]

What I am suggesting is that anything that you put as a priority over being with Jesus so that you can become more like Jesus is just a bad trade. Listen, you want to get your kids into an idealistic, maybe league school, great goal, but then you push them academically to the brink of overwhelm and frustration to the point where their academia is more important than their walk with Jesus. I'm just telling you it's a bad trade. [01:08:58]

Father, we are overwhelmed at times with the busyness of our schedule. There are some weeks that we have so many things to do that we forget to just be with you. And so, Lord, may you work in our hearts not in a way that brings shame, but in a way that brings conviction. Helping us to understand with great clarity what we need to say no to so that we can say yes to you. [01:11:56]

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Transcript
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