In Luke 10 we learn the difference between what is important and what is essential. This passage shows us that our relationship with the Lord must be our highest priority, even when distractions feel urgent.
by rev Barend van der Westhuizen
Distraction is one of the biggest struggles of our time. If we are honest, each of us must admit that this is a problem in our own lives. It can harm many areas of our lives, such as our relationships with those around us and our jobs. But, it can especially influence our walk with God. We see something about this in Luke 10:38-42.
Distractions can cause us to miss what is essential
In Luke 10 Martha was distracted by something very important: the duty of showing hospitality. For believers, hospitality is not optional—it is a high calling. Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus as their Guest. Martha wanted to be an excellent hostess, so she busied herself with preparations. Meanwhile her sister Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet and listened. Martha grew frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. His response was gentle but clear:
“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
Hospitality was important, but it was not essential. What was essential was listening to Jesus. Martha’s constant focus on preparations meant her attention was not on the Guest Himself. Her preoccupation distracted her from the one thing she truly needed: Jesus.
Phones and our walk with God
In our daily lives there are many things that can pull our attention away from what matters most. One of the biggest distractions is our phones.
Of course, our phones are not evil in themselves. They even play an important role in our daily lives. Many things that come through our phones genuinely demand attention: an urgent email, an important phone call, breaking news. These can be significant.
But often the distractions are less important: endless Facebook scrolling, TikTok videos, or hours of YouTube. Algorithms feed us clips that match our interests – even our unhealthy ones – and keep us hooked. “Just five more minutes” easily becomes an hour. A planned 10 p.m. bedtime becomes midnight, and we wake up tired for school or work.
When life is demanding, we may use our phones as an escape from reality, just for a moment of entertainment or distraction. But while deadlines, work, important conversations and even spiritual growth are neglected, we must ask: How does this compare to the time we spend with the Lord? Do we ever spend as much time in His Word as we do on our phones? Does a five-minute prayer ever become half an hour, the way online browsing can?
Our relationship with God must come first
This story in Luke 10 shows the danger of letting distractions pull us away from the one thing that matters most: our relationship with Christ. Every ping, notification, scroll, or vibration can easily interrupt or delay our quiet time.
We must be careful not to believe the lie that whatever appears on our phones is what we truly need. What we truly need is Jesus. We must be still and listen to His voice, to be shaped by His Word, and to live in His presence.
God’s voice brings us the good news of His love and grace. His presence equips us for deadlines, work, relationships and every responsibility. When we give Him our first attention, He renews us to live Spirit-filled lives for His glory.
