Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

The NIV says “distracted” and the Japanese says “unable to settle down,” but the picture is both clear and familiar. Often the devil distracts us with things that in themselves are good, but they aren’t first priority in God’s economy. The difficulty is that from our low viewpoint, we often can’t see what first priority should be, because we can’t see what’s ahead for what’s right in front of us. Different people see different priorities because of their differing gifts, and sadly, that can make for a great deal of conflict. As we grow in maturity we are better able to listen to God as to what He sees as important to be done right now, and what is to be done later or even not at all. This is a major issue for every pastor, because he must shepherd people of all gifts, whatever his personal gifts might be. As a general rule, worship and receiving the Word come first, with fellowship in the Body of Christ coming next, but all sorts of peripheral issues can distract from those. It’s not that the peripheral issues aren’t valid, it’s that they are peripheral.

This is a major issue in this church, to the point that people have left the church over it. With small numbers, those who feel housekeeping is a high priority feel overburdened, just like Martha in this story. Today’s message is on precisely this issue, and I don’t have the wisdom and skill to communicate it properly on my own. I’ve got to be fully submitted to the Holy Spirit so that I won’t say anything He’s not saying, and be willing to transmit everything He is saying. I know that the message I have outlined is a very good one, but I am not to be so tied to the outline that I fail to be available to the Spirit.

Father, help! Thank You for making me aware of my own inadequacy in this. Keep me from making anyone feel devalued, but also keep me from restraining Your Word out of fear of how people might react. Fill me with Your love, for You first and then for each one who hears, so that nothing will get in the way of Your Word penetrating each heart and accomplishing that for which You send it, for our transformation and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!