Among all of our responsibilities, there are many good things that divide our time.
There is much to be learned from Mary and Martha on one special occasion when they were blessed to spend an evening with Jesus.
In Luke 10:38-42 we read the account of Jesus sharing a meal in their home. Martha is busy preparing the meal. She feels frustrated and offers her petition up to Jesus to entreat her sister to help. Jesus kindly replies, "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 from her."
Definition of careful:
1. Attentive to potential danger, error, or harm; cautious.
2. Thorough and painstaking in action or execution; conscientious.
3. Protective; solicitous: Be careful of his feelings.
4. Full of cares or anxiety:
Definition of troubled:
1. to put oneself to inconvenience, extra effort, or the like.
2. to be distressed or agitated mentally; worry: She always troubled over her son's solitariness. –noun
3. unfortunate or distressing position, circumstance, or occurrence; misfortune.
4. civil disorder, disturbance, or conflict.
5. a physical disorder, disease, ailment, etc.
6. mental or emotional disturbance or distress; worry:
The needful thing is the necessary thing.
Jesus loved both women, and Martha was also doing a good thing in serving Jesus, but it wasn't the most important thing at that moment.
Individually, we are probably always in one role or the other. Very seldom are we choosing "bad" ways to spend our time. It always seems to be a choice between 2 good things.
Figuring out "which good thing to do" is where the real challenge is met.
And this brings us back to the key to all success before the Lord.
Are we following the spirit?
Task for the Day:
- Set a goal to: "Wholly follow the Lord today." Numbers 32:11-12
- In everything you do and speak, act as if Jesus is standing there with you.
- Ask yourself, "What would He do? What should I do?"
- At the end of the day, report your successes and failings.
