A Better WaySample

Undivided Attention

We’ve all been there before. You sit down with a close friend, describing some problem you’re having or needing some advice. Your friend nods, but they keep glancing down at their phone, suggesting their attention is anywhere but on you. 

That situation is frustrating, right? But let’s be honest. We’ve been on the other side of that conversation, too. Even with the best intentions, sometimes it’s difficult to fully give our attention to others. 

We do this in prayer, too. We sit down to pray, and all of a sudden, our thoughts have drifted, and we don’t even remember how we got there. 

Can you relate? 

Fortunately, Jesus again brings us a better way. Jesus was constantly interrupted, but His attention was never divided. 

How can both things be true? How could He entertain interruptions without breaking His focus? 

Jesus didn’t allow short-term objectives keep Him from thinking about His long-term mission. 

Think about how differently we’d see Jesus if He hurried along, pushing aside anyone who got in His way. For example, let’s imagine that in Mark 8, after some people come up to Jesus and beg Him to heal a blind man, He responds, “Sorry, I’ve got to go to Caesarea Philippi because I have important work to do for God there.”

You’d be frustrated and concerned, right? You’d wonder why Jesus used work for God as an excuse to miss an opportunity to show the love of God. 

That’s why Jesus’ response instead is so remarkable. What really happens in Mark 8 is a beautiful moment where Jesus gives a blind man His undivided attention. 

He leads the man away from the crowd, puts His hands on him, and heals him—twice. Jesus took time not only to heal the man’s physical problem but also to develop his spiritual health. 

And this wasn’t a new phenomenon for Jesus. His ministry was marked by interruptions, and He handled each one with grace, mercy, truth, and love. 

So, what about us? 

When you see someone in need, do you pass them by, hurrying along to your next commitment? When you’re talking with a friend or loved one, do you give them your attention, or do you continue to scroll on your phone? 

Following Jesus means living in the way of Jesus, so let’s be people who give our undivided attention to those around us, knowing that when we do, we’re becoming more like Christ.

Pray: God, I realize that I struggle to give my undivided attention to You and to others. Thank You for always giving me Your attention and for the patient and persistent way You love me. Help me to show that kind of love to everyone I encounter this week, and help me start to see interruptions as invitations to show Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Practice: Give the gift of your presence to someone today. Regularly and intentionally put down your phone and listen to God and others as you go throughout your day.