Read Luke 9 – 10
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42 KJV
Martha had a problem often found among hard working servants of Christ. She allowed her work for the Lord to rob her of a great opportunity for worshipping Him. Two evidences of this are brought to our attention: Martha criticized Mary for not doing more and complained about all she had to do. Hard working servants often do both. Whenever we find ourselves doing one or both, then it is a sure signal our priorities have gotten out of place. If we do not take time to worship, then our work will always undo us. There is a time to work and a time to worship. The presence of Jesus indicated this was a time for worship. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, but Martha wasted the opportunity with busyness. This does not mean the work was unimportant, but only it was given a wrong priority. When we put time with Christ first, we will always find the work that needs done easier.
Lord, too often I find myself thinking more like Martha than Mary. I work myself empty and full of frustration at the same time. However, when I have put my time with You first the work always gets done and with greater ease. Help me to learn, both from the example of Your Word and personal experience, the priority of spending time with You.
A question to ponder: Our lives seem filled with busyness, there is always something else to be done, what are you doing to ensure some quiet time at the feet of Jesus?
