Focus
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Focus & Priorities (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8) Life sometimes offers us choices between what’s good and what’s best. Martha Was the one who invited Jesus into their home Commission/Spiritual gift of hospitality? (1 Pe. 4:9, Rom. 12:13, Heb. 13:2) Was, to some extent, faithful (John 11:27) But lacked a complete understanding/appreciation of who Jesus was and what He was capable of (John 11:23-25, 39-40) Was distracted with preparations (Luke 10:40) Distraction: Something that draws attention away; interferes with concentration or causes mental confusion The story goes that there was a worldwide convention where Satan and his demons schemed of how to effectively tempt the followers of Christ. In the devil’s opening address to his followers, he said, “We can’t keep Christians from going to church but we can steal their time. Let’s keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds… keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions. Let’s crowd their lives with so many good things that they have no time to seek the best things.” What are some of the distractions in your life? (Web-surfing, talking on the phone, television, sports, hobbies, etc.)
What causes/allows us to become distracted? Lack of enthusiasm for the subject or task A lack of appreciation for the importance of the subject or task Fear of failure By contrast, what helps us to remained focused/hold our attention? Love/Passion for the subject or task (e.g. Our daughter Elizabeth’s passion to draw on anything, with anything, at any time) An awareness of the importance of the subject or task Examples of focus: Nehemiah stayed on task rebuilding the walls. (Neh. 6:1-19) There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playing in the World Series. Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you’re holding the bat wrong. You’re supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn’t say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn’t come up here to read." So caught up in serving Jesus that she did not take the time to listen to him Do we get like that sometimes? Christian service in necessary and important, but the sharing of God’s Word takes priority (Acts 1:7) It is not only a matter of occupying ourselves with the right kind of work, we must also go about our work with the right attitude. A preacher can preach with the wrong attitude, as Paul tells us (Philippians 1:15-18). Someone who shows mercy by distributing food and clothing to the poor may be wrongly motivated in what they do (Romans 12:8). We must not only be careful to be doing
the right thing; we must be concerned with doing it with the right motivation. She worried and upset about many things (Luke 10:41, contrast Matt. 11:28-20) Anything that becomes the primary focus of our time and energy can become an idol, interfering with out relationship with God. True worship is more important than etiquette. Jesus responded to Martha’s outburst with compassion and mercy (Luke 10:41) How do you respond when snapped at? Jesus said only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41) What is that one thing? (Matt. 6:33) Became judgmental, bitter, resentful towards her sister (and perhaps even towards Jesus) based on her limited perception Do we do that sometimes? Martha’s word’s an actions may reflect a lack humility and a lack of reverence for and submission to, Jesus Mary Focused on listening Sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said (Luke 10:39) Sitting at the teacher’s feet is the mark of a disciple. Giving time and attention are a sign of respect and appreciation. Jesus said this is the better way (Luke 10:41) Focused on worshiping Worshiped Jesus openly, even extravagantly (John 12:3, Luke 7:44-46) Extravagant = unrestrained (like the joy I feel dancing with my daughters)
The oil she used was worth a working man’s yearly wage (300 denarii) We really should show extravagant love to God, to our families and friends and to each other while we can. Do miss the opportunities when they present themselves! Her use of the oil had a Messianic significance, as Messiah means “anointed one” and He was indeed being consecrated for the task that lay ahead of Him, to suffer and die for sinful mankind, and then be raised to life, and to a place of power and glory above all others. Management/Stewardship Everything that we, such as our time, energy and resources, have belongs to God. Were are merely stewards managing such. We need to set proper priorities Our attitude is key We should take joy in Christian service, not view it as a mere duty or obligation. Perhaps we must find a balance in our lives between “go and do” and “sit and listen” The Committed, The Compulsive, and the Complacent (Gordon MacDonald, “Ordering Your Private World”) Compulsive People: Highly, but wrongly motivated. Motivated by self interest, achievement, power, praise, fear/guilt. Have a religious appearance. Result oriented. Seek to use God. Complacent People: Unmotivated. Motivated by self interest (or spiritually unmotivated), pleasure, the world. Self oriented. Seek to be indulged by God. Committed People: Rightly motivated. Motivated by love, joy, grace. Care little about appearances. Service/faithfulness oriented. Seek to be used by God.
What causes/allows us to become distracted? Lack of enthusiasm for the subject or task A lack of appreciation for the importance of the subject or task Fear of failure By contrast, what helps us to remained focused/hold our attention? Love/Passion for the subject or task (e.g. Our daughter Elizabeth’s passion to draw on anything, with anything, at any time) An awareness of the importance of the subject or task Examples of focus: Nehemiah stayed on task rebuilding the walls. (Neh. 6:1-19) There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playing in the World Series. Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you’re holding the bat wrong. You’re supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn’t say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn’t come up here to read." So caught up in serving Jesus that she did not take the time to listen to him Do we get like that sometimes? Christian service in necessary and important, but the sharing of God’s Word takes priority (Acts 1:7) It is not only a matter of occupying ourselves with the right kind of work, we must also go about our work with the right attitude. A preacher can preach with the wrong attitude, as Paul tells us (Philippians 1:15-18). Someone who shows mercy by distributing food and clothing to the poor may be wrongly motivated in what they do (Romans 12:8). We must not only be careful to be doing
the right thing; we must be concerned with doing it with the right motivation. She worried and upset about many things (Luke 10:41, contrast Matt. 11:28-20) Anything that becomes the primary focus of our time and energy can become an idol, interfering with out relationship with God. True worship is more important than etiquette. Jesus responded to Martha’s outburst with compassion and mercy (Luke 10:41) How do you respond when snapped at? Jesus said only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41) What is that one thing? (Matt. 6:33) Became judgmental, bitter, resentful towards her sister (and perhaps even towards Jesus) based on her limited perception Do we do that sometimes? Martha’s word’s an actions may reflect a lack humility and a lack of reverence for and submission to, Jesus Mary Focused on listening Sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said (Luke 10:39) Sitting at the teacher’s feet is the mark of a disciple. Giving time and attention are a sign of respect and appreciation. Jesus said this is the better way (Luke 10:41) Focused on worshiping Worshiped Jesus openly, even extravagantly (John 12:3, Luke 7:44-46) Extravagant = unrestrained (like the joy I feel dancing with my daughters)
The oil she used was worth a working man’s yearly wage (300 denarii) We really should show extravagant love to God, to our families and friends and to each other while we can. Do miss the opportunities when they present themselves! Her use of the oil had a Messianic significance, as Messiah means “anointed one” and He was indeed being consecrated for the task that lay ahead of Him, to suffer and die for sinful mankind, and then be raised to life, and to a place of power and glory above all others. Management/Stewardship Everything that we, such as our time, energy and resources, have belongs to God. Were are merely stewards managing such. We need to set proper priorities Our attitude is key We should take joy in Christian service, not view it as a mere duty or obligation. Perhaps we must find a balance in our lives between “go and do” and “sit and listen” The Committed, The Compulsive, and the Complacent (Gordon MacDonald, “Ordering Your Private World”) Compulsive People: Highly, but wrongly motivated. Motivated by self interest, achievement, power, praise, fear/guilt. Have a religious appearance. Result oriented. Seek to use God. Complacent People: Unmotivated. Motivated by self interest (or spiritually unmotivated), pleasure, the world. Self oriented. Seek to be indulged by God. Committed People: Rightly motivated. Motivated by love, joy, grace. Care little about appearances. Service/faithfulness oriented. Seek to be used by God.
