When we worry, we often wonder why others aren’t worried along with us.
We question where their support is and marvel over the fact that God doesn’t appear to be doing anything about it.
In fact, we may even weigh whether or not God even cares! (see Luke 10:40).
This is exactly how Martha felt…
You remember her, right? We talked about her and her sister, Mary, in a previous blog. We highlighted the fact that only one thing is necessary in life and that Mary chose it.
The feet of Jesus and the words of His mouth were more of a priority for Mary than work. Mary chose to put her life on pause just to savor one moment with Jesus Himself.
But this didn’t go over well with Martha.
Workers always have a tendency to persecute worshipers.
Workers fail to see that preoccupation with anything other than Jesus Himself will never produce anything worthwhile. In fact, through one of his messages, Eric Gilmour of Sonship Intl. caused me to see that zero of Martha’s works were recorded in Scripture.
The very things we think we are doing for Jesus can be the things that distract us from what matters most.
Martha was worried about what she thought she had to do and bothered by the fact that Mary wasn’t helping (see Luke 10:41).
Jesus’ remedy was simple.
“Only one thing is necessary…” (see Luke 10:42).
Those five words not only revealed what is essential in life; they were His reply to both worry and accusation.
In essence, Jesus was saying to Martha, “It’s not about what others are doing or aren’t doing. It’s about what you’re doing.”
Martha made just as much of a choice as Mary did.
We can choose to allow our lives to be overrun by worry and distraction or by a desire to know Him.
When we worry, we look for answers.
Being worried and bothered will always leave us with questions.
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?”
Preoccupation with Jesus, on the other hand, leaves us in adoration.
Mary wasn’t looking for answers to her questions. She was looking for Him.
Our questions… our concerns… our circumstances… none of that matters. All that matters is Him.
Everything in life will find itself in it’s rightful place in the light of His face.
It’s impossible to be worried and bothered when your life is lost in His.
Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen… that means something to me. She didn’t air out her grievances, argue with Him, or question Him. She listened…
Why?
She knew His presence was of greater worth more than anything else.
If we do not choose what Mary chose, worry will drive our lives. It’s that black and white.
In choice there is simplicity.
We determine what we want — Him or something else.
It’s always been about choice…
Choose this day whom you will serve — Joshua 24:15
Choose between God and Baal — 1 Kings 18:21
Choose between life and death and blessing and the curse — Deuteronomy 30:19
We perpetually live between two trees… One is the tree of life and the other is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
One tree places God at the center while the other places me at the center.
When God is at the center, peace, joy, and love are the consequences of such a decision.
However, when I choose me, I choose fear, worry, anger, frustration, criticism, and judgment.
Mary chose the good part which shall not be taken away from her (see Luke 10:42).
When we choose what it is good, we wind up tasting and discovering that He is good (Psalm 34:8).
Choose Him. He’s worth it.
Worry and distraction are nothing but thieves.
- Brian Connolly - Author & Itinerant Minister - www.faithlikebirds.com