7/13/2025: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

UNDIVIDED ATTENTION

We live in a world where a thousand things are competing for our attention. There is the real danger that we focus on the frivolous and ignore the indispensable. As a result, we often talk about the importance of being “free from distraction.” But the stakes are higher than that. We need to be freed from distraction. We need the spiritual power to give our undivided attention to that which truly makes a difference, not only here and now, but also in eternity. A life focused on all the right things is only possible because of a Savior who is always focused on us. On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give his followers power and focus. Still today, through his Word, Jesus grants those gifts to his disciples.

We have come to the second half of the Church Year. In the first half, we focused on the life of Christ. In this second half, we turn our attention to all the teachings of Christ. May we give them our undivided attention.

ON A NEIGHBOR IN NEED

We tend to think of distraction and focus as opposites. If someone is focused, they are not easily distracted by random events and encounters. If someone is focused, every decision about how to spend time and resources is calculated. Apart from Christ that type of focus spells disaster for our neighbor. We may dismiss the needs of our neighbor thinking, “If I spend time helping him, that will distract me from other things that need my attention.” This week, Jesus teachers us that he has set us free to live a life of such distraction. No matter the neighbor and no matter his need, we are free to give him our undivided attention, even if that seems senseless. Christ has set us free to bear any cost and go any distance to serve a neighbor as Christ himself would serve them.

God bless your worship.

Pastor John Hartmann preaches on Galatians 5:1,13-25

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