Choosing the One Thing Needed

Luke 10:42 says, “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But, one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'”

Today, let’s take a closer look at someone who sat at Jesus’ feet and received His praise. Can you imagine that—receiving God’s praise! The attitude of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated for us the meaning of a heart devoted to God. What did Mary do that moved our Savior to praise her?

Mary discerned the one thing needed. The events leading up to Jesus’ words set the scene for us to look into Mary’s heart (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus, probably accompanied by His disciples, arrived at the home of Mary’s sister, Martha, for a meal. I’m sure it was a joyous and festive time. Imagine, God in flesh coming for dinner! He was total love, total care, total concern, and total wisdom. It would be heaven on earth to be in His presence—the presence of God.

But Martha, Mary’s sister, didn’t discern the miracle of God in the flesh. Consequently, she marred His visit by her behav­ior. She crossed over the line of graciously providing food and became overly involved in her hostessing. When Jesus opened His mouth to impart words of life—the Word of God spoken by God Himself—and Mary slipped out of the kitchen to sit quietly at His feet, Martha broke. She interrupted the Teacher, her guest, to say something to this effect—“Don’t you care that I’m putting this meal together all by myself? Tell Mary to help me!” Martha failed to discern the priority and importance of time with God.

Mary, a woman after God’s own heart, made the choice that indicated her heart’s devotion. She knew it was important to cease her busyness, stop all activity, and set aside secondary things in order to focus wholly on the Lord. Unlike her sister, who was so busy doing things for the Lord that she failed to spend time with Him, Mary put worship at the top of her to-do list.

Mary chose the one thing needed—Because Mary was a woman after God’s own heart, she was preoccupied with one thing at all times—Him! Yes, she too served. And she too tried to fulfill her God-given responsibilities. But there was one choice that Mary made that day in Bethany, a decision to do the one thing that mattered most: Mary chose to spend time worshiping God. She knew that nothing can take the place of time in God’s presence. Indeed, time spent sitting at His feet fuels and focuses all acts of service.

Today, let’s not allow the demands on our lives, the busyness of our choices, or the significance of our service steal the “one thing” that will bring us closer to Christ. Time spent hearing from and worshiping God can never be taken away, for it is time spent in eternal pursuits, time that earns permanent and everlasting divi­dends. Mary chose to spend that precious time with Him. Let us also join in her worship of our Lord today and everyday of our lives!

RESPOND:

Lord, thank you for the chance to worship You in this life. Help me to remember that a life spent in worship is a life well lived. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

This printable is a lovely reminder to spend time in God’s word:

REFLECT:

How do I let the busyness of life take away from time with God?

REMEMBER:

Choose to spend time every day in worship to our Lord.