Distraction Vs. Focus
Psalm 82
Luke 10:38-42
I’ve got so much to do today!! There’s just not enough time in the day!! Where has this day gone!! I can’t take it anymore!! I can’t do it all by myself!! I’m so tired, I can’t think right!! I’m distracted and can’t focus!! Have you ever felt like this?? I know I have, especially when I worked at Home Depot!!
The demands and problems of our world today seem overwhelming at times. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in the stress and business of our everyday lives. We become distracted and find it hard to focus on what is truly important. When change is added into the mix, this can become even more pronounced. Here at All God’s Children we are in the midst of some significant change. I believe today’s story about Mary and Martha can provide some guidance
In this story, Jesus is spending time with Mary and Martha in their home. Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to him speak. Martha, meanwhile, is so busy making preparations for Jesus, that she becomes distracted with the tasks and does not enjoy the company of Jesus. Martha becomes upset because Mary is not helping with the work, and asks Jesus to order Mary to help her. Jesus then engages in a teaching moment with Martha. If you will notice, however, Jesus does not tell Martha that her hospitality is not important. Hospitality is important. However, when you have a guest, it is also important to be attentive to what they have to say and share with you. That is also part of the hospitality. Likewise, we must be hospitable with one another.
How many times do we become distracted by all the many tasks that need to be done, individually and as a church community, that we forget to stop and listen? Jesus is teaching us to not be distracted by these tasks. Instead, take the time to listen to what God and Jesus are saying to us. As this community of faith, in every task or program that we undertake, let us ask ourselves – does this fulfill our calling to show the world that we are All God’s Children? Is it in line with our stated vision and mission?
In our reading today from Psalm 82, we are reminded of our call by God to make a difference. Are we making a difference in the world, fighting for justice for the poor, oppressed, and weak – for all of God’s creation? Are we keeping our focus off our differences, and keeping our focus on our vision and mission? Are we analyzing our opinions to see if they are justified, that they are not divisive, that we are not trying to indulge our own self-interests? Are we willing to back up complaints/concerns by bringing suggestions and ideas for improving our community of faith? Are we willing to get involved with making things better? Without our willingness to let go of our distractions, we will lose focus of why we are here.
While we all have our own individual spiritual needs, we must work together to understand each other, and move together, in unity, on our way to fulfilling our vision and mission. We do this by maintaining our focus, especially as we make important decisions about the changes we are undergoing. We do this by making sure that we live our vision and mission.
We do this by truly listening to God and to one another. Sometimes we hear music day in and day out, but are not really listening to the words. Then, in a moment, when we stop to take in the words, we discover a truly remarkable set of lyrics that have a deep impact on our lives. This happened for me with the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” by Simon and Garfunkle. I had heard the song many times and even heard the words many times. I thought it was just a nice love song. One day, however, when I really listened to the words, I heard the voice and promises of God in those words – “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind.” Likewise, sometimes when we are engaged in conversation, we are hearing, but are we truly listening to what is being said? Do we engage with each other by practicing grace and love, as Jesus did?
This means accepting one another, living our name, remembering that All God’s Children have value? This may mean that our differences, past hurts, and past mistakes have to be let go of. Like caring for a tree or plant, sometimes it is necessary to prune away the parts that are withered or worn, so that new growth can be encouraged to sprout, so that the tree or plant can spend less energy and resources on trying to revive the old, and put more resources into new growth, new life.
In letting go of the old, we open ourselves to the value of new ideas and new opportunities; we open ourselves to listen to the voice of God leading us to new life. In letting go of our differences, we are able to work more effectively together, for God, not ourselves.
Letting go of the old and embracing change is often not easy. However, if we let go of all of our distractions, and allow God to guide all of our decisions, we will be able to maintain our focus and truly live our vision and mission. Let us join together now to review our vision and mission.
VISION/MISSION
AGCMCC is called by Christ to be:
A radically inclusive community of faith
Healed by God's unrelenting grace
Sent in love to share our gifts with the world
We live this call by offering:
A safe and healing space
Engaging our community in dynamic and God-centered worship
Offering opportunities for spiritual growth, personal development and activism
Let us Pray:
God, help us to let go of old ideas, resentments, hurts, and any other distractions that can take our focus away from our vision and mission. Help us, individually and as a faith community, to be washed in your river of new life. We are called to be partners in Christ’s service, so help us continue forward in grace and love, offering a safe and healing place that values all people, honors new ideas, and seeks continual renewal of life. In all of your many precious names, All God’s Children say, AMEN.