Psalm of the Day: Psalm 137:1-9
Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 10:17-32
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Let us observe what a snare to our souls the cares of this world may be, if allowed to take up too much attention. It is plain that Martha allowed her anxiety to provide a suitable entertainment for the Lord, to carry her away. Her excessive zeal for earthly provisions made her forget, for a time, the things of her soul. Her conscience pierced her when she found herself alone serving tables, and saw her sister sitting at Jesus' feet and hearing His word. Her temper became ruffled, and the 'old Adam' within broke out into open complaint.
Martha sadly forgot to whom she was speaking. She brought down on herself a solemn rebuke and had to learn a lesson which made a lasting impression. The beginning of all this was a little over-anxiety about the innocent household affairs of this world! The fault of Martha should be a perpetual warning to all Christians. If we desire to grow in grace, and to enjoy soul-prosperity, then we must beware of the cares of this world. Unless we watch and pray, they will bring leanness on our souls!
Our families, our business, our daily callings, our household affairs, our interaction with society — all, all may become snares to our hearts, and may draw us away from God. Let us watch our habits of mind jealously, lest we fall into sin unawares. If we love Christ, then we must hold the things of this world with a very loose hand, and beware of allowing anything to have the first place in our hearts. Profits and pleasures are dearly purchased, if in order to obtain them we thrust aside eternity from our thoughts, abridge our Bible-reading, become careless hearers of the Gospel, and shorten our prayers.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to keep a perspective on God's will and not earthly distractions.
Action Plan: What distracts me from serving God? What can I do today to put these things away and make sure God has first place?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
