Serve Jehovah Without Distraction

KEEP YOUR EYE FOCUSED

Jesus' kind words of counsel to Martha were perfect in harmony with his teaching and his example. He encouraged his disciples to keep their figurative eye "focused" so as to pursue Kingdom interests without distraction. (Read Matthew 6:22, 33)  Jesus was not burdened with material possessions; he did not own a house or land. -Luke 9:58; 19:33-35. 

Many things happened during Jesus' ministry that could have distracted him, but he never succumbed  to them. Early in his ministry, after he had taught the crowds and performed miracles in Capernaum, people begged him not to leave their city.  But how did Jesus react to  this flattering request?  He said:  "I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent." (Luke 4:42-44) True to his word, Jesus walked the length and breadth of Palestine, preaching and teaching.  Though perfect, he had normal human needs and sometimes felt  very tired because of expending himself in God's service. -Luke 8:23; John 4:6. 

On a later occasion while Jesus was teaching his followers how to cope with opposition, a man interrupted, saying:  "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."  But Jesus refused to be drawn into this dispute.  "Man," he answered, "who appointed me judge or arbitrator between you two?"  Then Jesus continued with his teaching, warning his listeners about the danger of being distracted from God's service by desires for material things.  -Luke 12:13-15. 

Next time: Serve Jehovah Without Distraction - Conclusion of KEEP YOUR EYE FOCUSED 

From The Watchtower magazine