Spread Too Thin?
Jesus teaches us how to pull things in when life tugs at us from all directions and leaves us distracted, tired, and discouraged:
Make sure your priorities are in order. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). The only way to keep other things in their rightful place is to put this at the top and not let anything or anybody take its place.
Take care of today first. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:34). Learn from the past. Prepare for the future. But focus on today.
Choose your battles wisely. “Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’” (Luke 12:13-14). Even Jesus didn’t try to settle every problem or answer every controversy.
Mind your own business. “Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow me’” (John 21:21-22). Peter wanted to know about John. Why didn't he ask John himself? Jesus told Peter to take care of Peter’s life and let John take care of his—“You follow Me.”
Simplify your life. “But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40-42). Hearing the Word of God prioritizes your life. Instead of thinking about everything you have to do, think about this one thing.
Don’t let the trials of life overwhelm you. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be a good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus was talking to His disciples who would face slander, beatings, imprisonment and for many of them death. But as Jesus spoke to them about what they would endure, He was preparing for His own death by crucifixion hours later. Surely we ought to be able to bear our burdens today without fainting.
Kerry
West End church of Christ • November 8, 2026