There’s an invasion happening — a spiritual one — led by our enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. This battle is for your mind. Peter reminds us that we are not of this world; we are citizens of heaven. Because of that, we are called to live differently, think differently, and see things differently.

Time is our most precious commodity. How we spend it shapes our peace, our joy, and our purpose. Yet many of us live overwhelmed, chasing the urgent instead of focusing on the important. The enemy knows that if he can’t tempt you to sin, he’ll keep you distracted, exhausted, and overwhelmed so that you miss God’s will for you. 

In Luke 10, Martha became consumed with doing while Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus. Martha’s busyness felt urgent, but Mary’s choice was the most important. Jesus said, “Only one thing is important — Mary has chosen it.” Like Martha, we often fill our schedules with things we consider to be urgent, and miss the best things, the important things…time with Christ, with family, time for rest. When we seek God first, everything else falls into place. Purpose, peace, and direction flow from His presence.

To minimize distractions, start by doing first what matters most. Schedule time with God before anything else — in His Word, in prayer, in stillness. Next, be selective with your “yes.” Not every opportunity is meant for you; sometimes obedience looks like saying “no” so you can say “yes” to what’s truly important. Finally, set boundaries, establish time constraints. Build artificial deadlines or limits that free you to rest, focus on family, and invest in your spiritual life. These choices keep your priorities clear.

When you seek God first, He makes the rest work out. Distractions lose their power, and peace takes their place. Ask God to help you choose wisely, to make time for what’s most important. The abundant life He offers isn’t found in doing more — it’s found in doing what matters most.

Scriptures – 1 Peter 2:11(Voice); Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSVUE); Luke 10:38-40 (NRSVACE) 10:41-42 (NRSVUE & ERV); Ephesians 5:15-16 (NRSVUE); Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Verses – Beloved, remember you don’t belong in this world. You are resident aliens living in exile…. (1 Pe 2:11)     For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ec 3:1) Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” (Lk 10:38-42) Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Ep 5:15-16)

Discussion – What are some examples of “urgent” things in your life that often push aside what’s truly important? How can you begin to “do first what matters most” in your daily routine or weekly schedule? Why can saying “no” sometimes be an act of obedience or spiritual maturity? What practical boundaries or changes could help you create more space for God and the people who matter most?

Prayer – Lord, help me slow down and choose what matters most. Guard my mind from distraction and fill my heart with Your peace. Teach me to seek You first and trust You to add all the rest that is needed to my life, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.