Traveling Light and Slowing Down

Introduction

Road Trip—Doing LIFE with God (Real Life).

The life lived is to be centered on relationship with God.

Illustration: I Love Lucy (Trip to California)

Too much stuff.

Wrong stuff.

Unable to enjoy the journey.

Many believers are too busy and too distracted to allow the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Materialism, consumerism, and busyness—enemies of the soul.

Big Idea: We need to travel light and slow down!

Text - Teaching of Jesus:

Matthew 6:19–21 ESV

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Question: Where is your heart?

I’m not talking about the pumping organ in your chest.

When the Bible refers to the heart—it is talking about your thoughts, your inner self, your mind (attitude, desire).

Transition

It is easy for us to lose sight of what is really important.

There are a lot of important things that we are confronted with—but what is the most important thing we need to consider?

In the Gospel of Luke, there is a story about Jesus, and two women: Mary and Martha.

Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38–42 ESV

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha and Mary demonstrate two contrasting ways to approach relationship with God.

Martha focuses on doing.

The point: A “doing” life is often too busy to slow down and simply enjoy relationship with God.

Distracted

Thinking that doing the work of God is more important than being with God.

Complaining

Pointing out the problems in others and ignoring one’s own problems.

Anxious

Worrying about the wrong things rather than trusting God about everything.

Cluttered

Compiling more things in your life than you can handle.

Repeat of the point: A “doing” life is often too busy to slow down and simply enjoy relationship with God.

Mary focuses on being.

Close

Being with God is more important than doing things for God.

Worshipful

Maintaining a submissive heart posture before God.

Listening

Embracing a teachable attitude.

Decisive

Determining to live life with Christ at the center.

The point: A “Being with Jesus” life is able to do the things of God out of the overflow of authentic relationship.

When doing life out of the overflow of your relationship with God:

Living in Peace.

Experiencing Joy.

Embracing Hope.

Expressing your live with REAL LOVE.

Altar Call

We need to declutter our spiritual lives.

We need to slow down and enjoy loving union with God.

Questions

Do you feel overwhelmed in your spiritual life? Why?

Who do you most identify in this story? Martha or Mary? Why?

Why do you think being with God is more important than doing things for God?