More Mary’s, Less Martha’s

The Bible tells us of Mary and Martha in Chapter 10 of the Gospel of Luke. Mary and Martha, who are sisters, open their home to Jesus as he travels with his disciples. As Martha hurries to ensure the preparations, Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to the wisdom of Christ.

Mary was all absorbed, listening to and meditating on His words; and, carried out of herself by her love of Him, she forgot everything else. Martha, on the other hand, was taken up with active work in His service, and could only think of how she might most perfectly minister to His wants. As we see in Luke 10:38- 42 it shows how Jesus responded to Mary and Martha. Luke 10: 38.  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “ Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “ you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha was busy doing good things – taking care of others, preparing food to serve them, and so forth. They were necessary preparations. But when she expressed her frustration to the Lord about her sister Mary, He actually rebuked her instead! He told her that Mary’s choice to fellowship with and learn from Him was the better choice, the BEST choice.

Jesus audaciously suggests that perhaps Martha should be choosing some Mary moments!

Those tasks, those good and necessary things that we do on a daily basis (raising up children, working, serving others, preparing meals, even work related to ministry) have to be done, but we must be careful not to let them distract us from the most important thing – abiding in Him.

Don’t make the mistake and choose simply good things over the BEST thing. Choose to make time for a Mary moment in spite of your Martha world.

And as soon as you start choosing Mary moments, don’t be surprised if something or someone needs your immediate attention. This morning, as soon as I sat down and opened my Bible, something immediately tried to get my attention. Thankfully, God reminded me that Satan is always at work, and rather than getting frustrated and giving up, I was able to quickly attend to the needs and come right back to my Bible. It wasn’t easy to do what had to be done and the get back to my Bible reading, but it was worthwhile, and I know He was pleased with my obedience. And when I finished reading, I had peace!

Spending time with God in prayer or reading His word is the most peaceful time you will ever spend. Time is a precious commodity, and we need to spend it wisely.

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