In our fast-paced, always-on society, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity and lose sight of what truly matters. We wear busyness as a badge of honor, proudly declaring how swamped we are when asked about our well-being. But amidst the chaos of our daily lives, are we focusing on the right priorities?
The story of Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42, offers a powerful lesson on the importance of prioritizing our spiritual lives. As Jesus and his disciples visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. Martha, frustrated by her sister’s apparent laziness, asked Jesus to intervene. His response was both gentle and profound:
“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This interaction highlights a struggle many of us face: balancing our worldly responsibilities with our spiritual needs. Martha’s actions weren’t inherently wrong – hospitality was highly valued in their culture. Yet, Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen “the better part” by prioritizing time with him.
How often do we find ourselves in Martha’s shoes? We may be engaged in good, even necessary tasks, but at what cost? Are we so focused on our to-do lists that we miss out on precious moments of connection and growth?
Consider the holidays – have you ever been so consumed with preparing the perfect meal that you forgot to enjoy the company of your loved ones? Or in church life, have you become so caught up in planning programs and attending meetings that you’ve lost sight of why you’re doing it all in the first place?
The danger in this constant busyness is spiritual dryness. When we stop listening and resting in God’s presence, we risk becoming like empty vessels – unable to pour out anything of value because we haven’t allowed ourselves to be filled.
Jesus doesn’t need more from us, but He does want more of us. This subtle distinction is crucial. Our value in Christ isn’t determined by how much we do, but by how closely we listen to and follow Him. To give more to others, we must first allow Jesus to pour into us.
So how do we shift from being “Martha” to embracing more of “Mary’s” posture? It starts with intentional choices:
- Create space for silence: Set aside even just five minutes each morning for quiet reflection and prayer. Use this time to open your heart to God and listen for His guidance.
- Prioritize scripture: Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, open a Bible app and engage with God’s word. Many apps offer daily reading plans to help you stay consistent.
- Invite Jesus into daily life: During family meals or casual conversations, intentionally bring God into the discussion. Share how you’ve seen Him working or ask others about their spiritual journeys.
- Learn to say “no”: Evaluate your commitments and be willing to decline activities that don’t align with your spiritual priorities. Saying “no” to one thing often means saying “yes” to something better.
- Build relationships: The early apostles spread the Gospel not just through preaching, but by cultivating genuine connections with people. Make time for meaningful conversations and be open to sharing your faith journey.
Imagine a church community where everyone prioritized sitting at Jesus’ feet, allowing His presence to guide their actions. We might see less burnout, more peace, and a shift from performance-based faith to one rooted in God’s presence.
This doesn’t mean abandoning our responsibilities or ceasing all activity. Rather, it’s about finding the right balance – doing the necessary work while ensuring we don’t neglect our time with Jesus. It’s about keeping the main thing the main thing.
As we navigate our busy lives, let’s challenge ourselves to be more like Mary. When we feel overwhelmed by our to-do lists, can we pause and ask ourselves: “Am I choosing the better part?” Are we making space to listen, learn, and be transformed by Christ’s presence?
Remember, before we can effectively pour out to others, we must allow ourselves to be filled. Just as we’re reminded to stay hydrated in hot weather, we must also “hydrate” our souls with the living water that only Jesus can provide.
This week, identify one small way you can prioritize your relationship with Christ. Maybe it’s setting your alarm a few minutes earlier for prayer, or swapping out a TV show for Bible study. Whatever it is, take that step towards choosing “the better part.”
In doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper, more fulfilling faith – one that isn’t based on how much we accomplish, but on how closely we walk with our Savior. May we all learn to keep the main thing the main thing, finding true rest and purpose in Christ’s presence.
As we go about our days, let’s carry this truth with us: Our value isn’t in our busyness, but in our belovedness to God. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, everything else falls into its proper place. So take a breath, slow down, and make space to sit at Jesus’ feet. In doing so, you might just discover the one thing that truly matters – and it will not be taken away from you.
No responses yet