Psalm 46:10 (ESV) 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Stillness is the classroom where we get to know God Luke 10:38–42 (ESV) 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Culture Trains Us for Distraction Romans 12:2 (NLT) 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Mark 1:35 (NLT) 35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Distractions Dilute Our Devotion Luke 10:40 (ESV) 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:42 (ESV) 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Psalm 16:5 (NLT) 5 LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT) So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Proverbs 4:25–27 (NLT) 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Distractions Will Cost You Something Eternal Luke 10:41 (ESV) 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things John 14:6 (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Psalm 90:12 (ESV) 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Ephesians 5:14 “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ways to Throttle Distractions: Structured Stillness – Ask “Is this drawing me closer to God’s purpose?” Plan Interruptions – Set tech boundaries: no phone first or last 30 minutes of your day. Intentional Attention – Schedule focused time daily to read the Word and pray without devices. Accountability – Get someone to ask you weekly, “How’s your focus been?” Check Your Scorecard – Track where your time goes. Are you giving God the best or the leftovers?