When You Need To Narrow Your Focus

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. — Luke 10:41-42a (NIV)

Dabbing my eye with the wet paper towel, I waited for the tears to wash away my newly applied mascara. Why did this happen? I didn’t have to wonder for long. I already knew why. Too preoccupied with thoughts of what I needed to do that day, I hadn’t paid attention to the mascara wand and accidentally poked my eye with it. 

We live in a world obsessed with multitasking. But in reality, the benefits of multitasking are unfounded. In fact, the reverse is true. When we try to spread our attention on multiple tasks, each one gets only a fraction of our mental energy. What’s more, the constant switching between tasks reduces our overall capacity to focus. But what distresses me even more is the way multitasking obscures my priorities.

When too many thoughts and concerns occupy my mental space, I easily lose sight of what is important. I can relate to Martha who opened her home to Jesus and His disciples as they traveled through her village. As she busied herself with the details of preparing the meal, she lost sight of the incredible learning opportunity unfolding in her presence. Meanwhile her sister, Mary, sat listening at the feet of Jesus, a position normally reserved only for men. 

In her distracted frustration, Martha complained and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her (Luke 10:40). Over the years I’ve grown in my appreciation of Jesus’ gentle response:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NIV)

Sadly, in the culture of this time, women did not have equal status with men. As second-class citizens, they were seen as unimportant. In religious assemblies, they sat segregated from men. Yet Jesus, the promised Messiah, invited women to sit at His feet so they could learn alongside the men. But Martha risked missing the opportunity because she focused on less important things. 

The gospel writers don’t tell us what immediately happened after Jesus spoke to Martha. But they do show that she grew in her relationship with Jesus. After her brother died, she expressed unwavering faith in Him (John 11:20-27). The last time we see her in the gospels, Martha is again serving a dinner in Jesus’ honor (John 12:1-2).

Knowing this about Martha, I believe she opened her eyes and took advantage of the learning opportunities Jesus offered. I not only relate to Martha’s struggle with distractions, but I also want to grow spiritually as she did.  

Sometimes my distracted thoughts only cause me to lose a few minutes as they did the morning I poked myself in the eye. But other times distractions carry a much higher cost. When I allow my mind to rush ahead to other tasks on my ever growing to-do list, I pull back from the people and situations around me. Invariably, I miss opportunities to deepen my relationships and to grow spiritually. 

I’ve learned to take note when anxiety and impatience drive out the joy and peace Jesus gives. Often these emotions reveal I’m spreading myself too thin. This is when the Holy Spirit reminds me of Jesus’ words. Like Martha, I know I need to slow down, look around, and focus on the few things (or maybe even the one) that really matter. When I do this, peace and joy return to my heart and soul.

Dear Lord Jesus, it is so easy for us to get distracted by the details of our lives. Thank You for pointing out our need to focus on the few things (or even the one) that matter most. Please give us discernment through the Holy Spirit so we can focus on our priorities. We pray this in Your name. Amen.