Choices

Choices

There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her.

Luke 10:42

Mary from Bethany is seen three times in the Gospels, and in each scene she’s sitting at the feet of Jesus. On one occasion she sat and listened to his Word (Luke 10:39). On another she fell at his feet and poured out her heart to Jesus about the death of her brother, Lazarus (John 11:32). The third time she anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume (John 12:3).

In the first of those scenes, Jesus was visiting the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha was busy with all the meal preparations, Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha was irritated that Mary had left her alone in the kitchen, and she wanted Jesus to order Mary to help.

As Jesus frequently did, he graciously pointed out what was most important. He didn’t put down Martha’s hospitality, but he certainly elevated Mary’s worship. When it comes to issues of hospitality and worship, one is not “right” and the other “wrong.” But we do have a choice about which is most important. Worship is the core of our Christian experience.

Before we can reflect Christ to our children, we must spend time with him and learn from him.

When we choose to spend time in personal devotion to Christ, our acts of service will follow because of the prompting of God’s Spirit in our lives.

Father,

Please help us get first things first. May we worship you first, realizing that when we are in awe of you, service will follow. Amen.