Luke 10:40-42 – But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

The focus of this passage is not that people should be unconcerned with household chores and responsibilities, but that the proper attitude toward Jesus is to listen to Him and obey His words. The Lord values your presence above your service. Service may be tainted with pride and self-importance. Devoted time with Jesus is the one thing that is most needful, that good part which will not be taken away. This time of year there are many pressures  that are requesting our immediate attention. We can so quickly become inundated with so much that needs to be done. The Lord wants to convert all of us from Martha’s into Mary’s. Are you at a crossroads in your life where you do not know which way to turn? Then, by all means, sit down and spend time at Jesus’ feet. Look in His Word and see what He has to say. It will help you with your work. It will make you a better person. It will help you clean up areas in your life. You will be better at what you do for a living. Your work at the office will become easier. Just take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Mary chose the best part.

Challenge:

If we are honest, most of the time we resemble Martha more than Mary. We rush around doing “what needs to be done,” while missing the glimpses of Jesus all around us. As difficult as it is, and as contrary to our culture as it is, we must intentionally make the effort to slow down and model Mary because, as Jesus Himself said, “Mary has chosen what is better…” Your challenge this week is to slow down and spend quality time with Jesus. You might be thinking “Slow down? This time of year? That is impossible.” To which my reply would be, “This is the perfect time of year to sit still and reflect on the Lord and all that He has done for you, as well as, all that He has in store for you in the new year.” When you spend time with Jesus, you hear His heart for you. He shows you areas in your life that need the most attention. He reveals to you new opportunities that are before you. You will see things in His word that you had never seen before, and apply them in ways you had never thought of before. Serving Jesus is a wonderful part of the Christian faith. Yet being in His presence is far greater. Will you, like Mary, choose the best part and spend time at His feet? God bless you.

Have a blessed week,