Mary For Awhile
Luke 10:42
As the first month of the new year concludes it’s easy for us to fall into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between running kids to school, going to ball games, attending church activities, and participating in a multitude of other things, life can get pretty chaotic. Wayne Cordeiro in his book Leading on Empty states “We don’t forget that we are Christians. We forget that we are human, and that one oversight alone can debilitate the potential of our future.”
When Jesus comes to Bethany, Martha demonstrates hospitality by welcoming Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. She then busies herself with the tasks of serving their guest. Although we are not told precisely what those tasks are, a good guess is that she began preparing a meal. In Luke 10:42, Jesus speaks to the importance of spending time with Him over being consumed with the list of things that must be done. “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.”
In a culture of hectic schedules and the relentless pursuit of productivity, we are tempted to measure our worth by how busy we are, by how much we accomplish, or by how well we meet the expectations of others. Jesus speaks plainly to the difference between “having to do something” and “needing to do something”. While there are many things, like Martha, that will demand our attention this year, let’s not forget to take time to be Mary for awhile. Take time to enjoy the sweet fellowship that can only be given from Jesus. Take some time to refresh your heart and mind. Martha was satisfied with her position but Mary desired His presence. Don’t allow what you need to do (spend time with Him) slip away for the things that you have to do.