Sermon by Ps Guanghan at the Faith Commounity Baptist Church on 24 Jan 2026.
James 1:8 says that a distracted person is double minded and is unstable in all his ways.
The verse reminds us that when our souls are costantly pulled in different directions, we start to lose clarity and focus on what is really important.
Scripture:
Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy hosting, preparing the food and cleaning. Thsi is because a rabbi (Jesus) is visiting and it is considered an hnoro to be hosting Jesus. while Mary was at the feet of Jesus, listening to his every word. Martha got angry because Mary was not helping her.
How do we overcome a distracted soul?
1. Grow in solitude
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. This is atypical as women are supposed to serve and only men are allowed to sit at the Rabbi's feet. Jesus became the first priority for Mary. Solitude is about finding God in the midst of the noise
Jesus withdrew to quiet places
1. Before selecting his disciples
2. After days of healing and teaching
3. Before major decisions
4. In the Garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion
2. Grow in sacrifice
Martha was distracted because she is bearing the weight of serving not just Jesus but his disciples as well. Valid responsibilties multiplied into anxiety. The sacrifice is to let go of what is troubling the heart and focus on Jesus.
Let us throw everythig that hinders - the biggest distraction in our lives are the good things that have become too big.
3. Grow in service
We want to serve but our lives are too busy to serve. Serving shifts your focus from self to God and others. Question - am i serving with no strings attached or serving to be noticed?