Still Burning, Part 4 | Learning to Say No
Key Thought | Spiritual focus often requires saying no to good things in order to say yes to the best thing.
Key Scripture | “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.” —Luke 10:42 (NLT)
As we move into Part 4 of this five-part journey, the focus becomes personal and practical. In Part 3, we explored the importance of spiritual environment. Now, Jesus gently confronts one of the greatest threats to devotion—distraction.
Distraction is rarely obvious. It usually shows up dressed as responsibility.
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was serving. She was hosting. She was being helpful. And yet Jesus gently names what’s happening beneath the surface—she’s distracted. Not sinful. Distracted.
There’s something tender in the way Jesus responds. He doesn’t criticize her effort. He doesn’t dismiss her concern. He simply redirects her attention. “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.”
Busyness has a way of convincing us that everything is urgent. But devotion often requires discernment, knowing when to say no to good things in order to say yes to the best thing.
Mary’s choice wasn’t dramatic. She simply sat. She chose presence over productivity. And Jesus says that choice will not be taken from her.
Sometimes spiritual growth doesn’t come from adding new practices, but from releasing what crowds out intimacy. Saying no isn’t failure; it’s alignment.
Ask where distraction may be replacing devotion. Sometimes spiritual growth doesn’t require adding more; it requires letting go.
Prayer | Jesus, help me recognize what distracts me from You. Teach me to choose presence over pressure and intimacy over busyness. Amen.
Reflection
Key Scripture | “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.” —Luke 10:42 (NLT)
As we move into Part 4 of this five-part journey, the focus becomes personal and practical. In Part 3, we explored the importance of spiritual environment. Now, Jesus gently confronts one of the greatest threats to devotion—distraction.
Distraction is rarely obvious. It usually shows up dressed as responsibility.
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was serving. She was hosting. She was being helpful. And yet Jesus gently names what’s happening beneath the surface—she’s distracted. Not sinful. Distracted.
There’s something tender in the way Jesus responds. He doesn’t criticize her effort. He doesn’t dismiss her concern. He simply redirects her attention. “There is only one thing worth being concerned about.”
Busyness has a way of convincing us that everything is urgent. But devotion often requires discernment, knowing when to say no to good things in order to say yes to the best thing.
Mary’s choice wasn’t dramatic. She simply sat. She chose presence over productivity. And Jesus says that choice will not be taken from her.
Sometimes spiritual growth doesn’t come from adding new practices, but from releasing what crowds out intimacy. Saying no isn’t failure; it’s alignment.
Ask where distraction may be replacing devotion. Sometimes spiritual growth doesn’t require adding more; it requires letting go.
Prayer | Jesus, help me recognize what distracts me from You. Teach me to choose presence over pressure and intimacy over busyness. Amen.
Reflection
- What tends to distract you most from Jesus?
- Where might God be inviting you to say no?
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments