By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 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 10:38-42
Here is a classic example of missing the big picture.
The Lord Jesus is in town! While Mary saw that as an opportunity to soak in His teaching, Martha saw that as an opportunity to provide hospitality.
One heard words from His mouth while the other saw mouths to feed.
Was Martha too busy to join her sister at Jesus’ feet because she was doing bad things? No. She was doing a good thing, but it seems she let it get out of hand.
Any day I neglect my ‘God and I Time’ but read the news, I’m being a Martha. Any day I meditate little on Scripture but wash the car, or perform maintenance tasks around the house, or iron my clothes, I’m being ‘cumbered about much serving.’ None of this is wrong, it’s just extra, and must fit around the highest priority of each day, which is to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Father, thank You for Martha’s servant heart, and her desire to excel as a hostess. Help me to excel at my tasks too. But oh to be like Mary, setting aside the non-essential chores, taking time to be holy, drinking in Your every word! Keep me focussed on the big picture of life, which is to walk with You each day. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.