Seek not to be cumbered

In Doctrine & Covenants 66:10 the Lord counsels William E. McClellan to “Seek not to be cumbered.” In my mind I couldn’t imagine anyone seeking to be cumbered so I decided to investigate that word. I asked AI about the meaning and implications of the word cumbered as it was used to describe Martha in the New testament. Here is the response:

The word “cumbered,” as used to describe Martha in the New Testament (Luke 10:40), means to be distracted, burdened, or overwhelmed by many cares and tasks.

Here’s a breakdown of what it implies:

• Distraction: The primary implication is that Martha’s focus was pulled away from what was most important. While Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching, Martha was preoccupied with the preparations for their guests.
• Overwhelm/Burden: She was weighed down by the numerous demands of hospitality. The passage suggests a sense of being “harassed” or “perplexed” by all the different things she felt she needed to do.
• Anxiety/Worry: Underlying the busy-ness was likely a degree of anxiety or worry about getting everything done perfectly. Jesus’ response to her (“Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things”) further emphasizes this internal state.
• Loss of Perspective: Her cumbered state caused her to lose sight of the unique opportunity she had to learn from Jesus. She prioritized the “good” (serving her guests) over the “better” or “best” (spiritual nourishment and fellowship with the Lord).
• Frustration: Her distraction and burden led to frustration, not just with the tasks themselves, but also with Mary for not helping. This shows how being cumbered can lead to irritation and a critical spirit.

In essence, “cumbered” highlights the danger of allowing even good and necessary activities to consume us to the point of spiritual distraction and inner turmoil. Martha wasn’t doing anything inherently wrong by serving, but her attitude and focus while serving became problematic, hindering her from receiving what was truly needful.

That all sounds right to me. I still don’t understand why anyone would seek to be cumbered but maybe this was more a warning to be wary of becoming cumbered—not that it was sought out in the first place.

I think people generally have a natural aversion to burden, anxiety, and frustration but distraction and loss of perspective are subtle enough that we don’t often actively avoid them. I think this all harkens back to the message of Good, Better, Best from President Oaks.