What Have We Chosen?

Good Morning,

Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

The New Living Translation of verses 41-42 read, "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, and it will not be taken away from her.'"

I wonder how many of us are much like Martha and "are worried and upset over all these details" instead of being like Mary who discovered the "one thing worth being concerned about."

It's a good question for us to ask of one another and of ourselves. Too often we see those who seem to be way too concerned about some minute details of service order or which music would be best or what sermon series ought to be preached or, well, or many other things that are, as we read in these verses, the details. Then, conversely, we don't see enough folks who have seemed to have discovered the one thing that is of utmost importance and that God will not take away from them.

I must admit that there are times, maybe even too often?, when I find myself more of a "Martha" than a "Mary." I sometimes find myself questioning this or that detail about a church service rather than simply being concerned with allowing God to visit me and touch me DURING that service. I occasionally get all tied up in arguing in my mind about this point or that of a sermon, rather than just allowing the Holy Spirit to speak His wisdom to me ABOUT the sermon. Details, details, details. We get so concerned about the details...large and small.

It brings to mind the saying, "The devil is in the details." I believe that. I believe it because when we're tied up in the details, like Martha was, we lose sight of the main point of it all, Jesus Christ. If we're being so engaged in worrying about every detail, it certainly will take our minds and hearts away from simply being with Jesus and allowing Him to minister to us as He will when our focus is on Him.

So, where do we find ourselves today, you and I? Are you, am I, more interested in details than we are in worshipping and concentrating on Jesus? If we are, we need to rethink our priorities.

Jesus wants "Mary" much more than "Martha." Remember, there will always be time for the "details" that need to be taken care of and we will always be able to do what must be done. God will show us the way, have no fear. However, we've got to keep our minds focused on that which is important, that which is better...

Jesus Christ!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David