Choices Choices

Choices Choices

As humans we love the freedom to make our own choices.

Choice as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary is:

: the act of choosing

: the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities

: the opportunity or power to choose between two or more possibilities

: the opportunity or power to make a decision

: a range of things that can be chosen

In some cases we are comfortable with others making choices for us (i.e. Spouse). We also understand and recognize that individuals or entities (i.e. The military) will make choices on our behalf that we have no control over. After all in many aspects, the choices of the mass affects us all (i.e. Elections).

Jesus Visiting Mary and Martha

“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 few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke‬ ‭10:38-42‬ 

This story resonates loud with me as a woman. When we have guests over, don’t we get all flustered or focused on pleasing our guests? We have to make sure the house is presentable, food is cooked, everyone is comfortable and all are being served. It can get quite stressful at times especially when it is someone we deem as VIP (Very Important Person)!

The thought of not doing any of that and just sitting down to listen to that VIP makes me honestly start panicking. I have a heart of serving and my desire is always to ensure when persons are in my home, they are comfortable and served well.

The difference

In this story though, Jesus reminds us that there is a difference. Yes there is an importance to serving and taking care of our guests but it is more important to sit at our Savior’s feet, listen to his word and commune with him. It really is a matter of our priorities.

Likewise, as Christians we can be so busy doing God’s work and forgetting the vital importance of us spending quiet times with him.

Martha’s struggle was that she got caught up in the details and forgot the priorities. There is a proper time to serve and work and a proper time to listen to Jesus.

Mary chose what was better. She chose to listen to Jesus instead of being in the kitchen with Martha. Will we do likewise?

Prioritize.

Prayer:

Yahweh, forgive us if our service has become self serving. Help us to learn the importance of serving you like Martha but equally the importance of sitting quietly at your feet and communing with you. Amen