“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” – Luke 10:38-39
While Mary sat, Martha stewed. She marched around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients for the lavish feast she was preparing.
She muttered under her breath. How was it that no one could see what was happening? I’m here slaving away in this hot kitchen, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus and all Mary is doing is sitting at Jesus’s feet. It just wasn’t fair!
So, Martha gathered all of her self-righteous anger and stormed over to where Jesus was and said “Jesus, tell my sister to come help! It’s not right that all of the work should fall on my shoulders.”
Sometimes we behave like Martha believing that the more we do the better. We get frustrated when we think people aren’t doing enough. Get out of my way I am on a mission I have to do more for Jesus. Yet Jesus’ reply to Martha was eye opening.
“Martha, Martha,” He chided softly. “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
Jesus shows us here that while he values your service, he values the time you spend with him more.
Being a disciple doesn’t mean that you have to serve on every ministry. While it is important to serve, that is not the main reason Jesus saved you. He saved you so you can be in relationship with him. He wants to spend time with you. The time he spends with you is more important to him than just having you serve more or do more.
In other words, don’t neglect time spent with Jesus because you feel the pressure or need to do more, that is not the better option. I encourage you today when faced with the busyness of life don’t forget to spend time sitting at Jesus’s feet. Do this and you will be choosing the better option.
Prayer
God, when I’m tempted to rush around, let me remember to pause in the presence of Jesus. I want to focus on the important before I focus on the urgent. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
