Learning What’s Most Important

Learning What’s Most Important

Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.” Luke 10:40-42

Clearly, Mary got it. Martha’s intentions were good, very good, but she missed the most important priority right in front of her—Christ Himself.

I would imagine that Martha had heard Jesus say a number of times what is written in Matthew 6:25, 33: “I tell you not to worry about everyday life. . . . Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.” Jesus wanted Martha to see the bigger picture, the things of eternal significance, rather than be caught up in worrisome details that tend to stress people out.

Coaches, as a rule, are like Martha. We’re so busy and caught up in preparing for our games that we take our eyes off the bigger picture. So caught up in the minutiae of our jobs that we tend to lose focus, often making things harder than they are.

So, too, Martha let her focus on being the best hostess to Jesus take precedence over what He wanted her to focus on—putting everything aside, spending time with and learning from Him. Her sister, Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, was hanging on every word, learning from the rabbi.

When Jesus said that Mary had discovered the most important thing—something that Martha needed to find herself—He was validating Mary’s desire to be His disciple. Those would have been “fightin’ words” to any men listening. Women had their place in Jesus’ day, and it wasn’t as a rabbi’s disciple.

Maybe Martha needed to reread what Solomon wrote at the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, after concluding that life rooted solely in the things of the world is vanity. The wise king says, “Remember your Creator. . . . Fear God and obey his commands” (Ecclesiastes 12:6, 13). Solomon’s answer to a meaningful, fulfilling life is God, not the perfect dinner party.

Luke’s Gospel doesn’t include the rest of the conversation Jesus and Martha had that day. But later Martha confesses to Jesus that she has “always believed” that He is “the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God” (John 11:27).

What about you? Who are you most like, Mary or Martha? When your heart is in the right place—taking root in Him—you will have no doubt about what’s most important.

Uncommon Key > Ask God where He would like you to be busy today. When you enter into and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, allow Him to determine the areas where He wants you to be involved the most.