Do you ever wonder if you’re serving God too much? You’re exhausted—anxious and troubled about many things—and rarely feeling refreshed. You possibly haven’t dwelled in your relationship with God in some time, but you’re determined to continue your diligent work. After all, God calls you to do everything you do to the best of your ability.
What if Jesus were to dine at your house this evening? What’s your game plan? You’d have a one-on-one opportunity to listen to the God of the universe speak directly to you. But on the other hand, you would probably desire to serve Jesus to the best of your ability as well—create a welcoming atmosphere, prepare delicious food, serve his disciples, etc.
Two sisters in the Bible, Mary and Martha, faced that very dilemma. In fact, Martha first took the initiative to invite Jesus into her home. Now of course Martha planned for perfection; she placed all her effort in serving her Creator. But her seemingly slothful sister, Mary, contributed little outward service once Jesus stepped through their door. Instead, Mary rested beside Jesus and conversed with Him, absorbing His every word. “But,” as Luke claims in Luke 10:40, “Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to [Jesus] and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?’”
In other words, Martha asks if Jesus cares whether we choose to serve or to listen to Him. Obviously both elements are crucial in the Christian journey, but which matters most? I’d like you to picture the scene: Jesus deep in discussion with Mary at his feet—humbly listening to Him—and Martha flustered, racing around them, likely carrying dishes filled with freshly baked bread, wine, and other treats. Mary’s lack of service irritates Martha, and she complains to Jesus, asking if He cares that Mary chooses to listen rather than serve. In turn, Jesus responds with a likely gentle but authoritative tone, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken away from her.”
Let’s unpack Jesus’s answer. First, He rightly claims that Martha is worried—I mean, Jesus is in her home and there’s so much to do—but then Jesus contrasts her with Mary, who as He explains “has chosen the good portion,” or, as stated in the NIV translation, “has chosen what is better.” Jesus claims that only “one thing is necessary,” and Mary is participating in it. She presumably isn’t troubled about many things; she’s only concerned about one thing, and that’s listening to Jesus.
God desires that we listen to Him in order to serve Him. That is the good portion. Without attentive moments in concentration to God’s Word, we’d be frazzled. He expects us to partake in His Holy Word, learn from what He says, and utilize His lessons in our service towards Him.
So the next time you find yourself exasperated by all the work you attempt to do for God—planning to perfect every little thing—take a moment in prayer and study God’s Word. Dwell in His good portion; don’t be troubled about many things, but rather focus on the one thing that is better: God’s Word. Remember that He loves us and desires for us to live joyfully in all moments, responsibilities, and trials.
By Miguel Paul
Image Courtesy Christina Pang