but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
It is easy for us to get swept up in all our activities and lose our sense of priority. We often spend our time and energy on good things at the expense of the best things. Perhaps we work as hard as we can at our job at the expense of our families or even our relationship with God. If that is our situation, we have served the good instead of the best. Martha had a beautiful servant's heart for others, and she wanted to provide the best hospitality for the Lord and his disciples. However, her service consumed her. She became anxious and frustrated. She got aggravated with her sister for abandoning her and sitting with the Lord. If only Martha could take a step back and look at herself! She would have realized that she was neglecting her most obvious need, spending time with Jesus.
Jesus graciously corrected Martha. We too are overwhelmed with many things to do. Anxiety and stress often rule our lives. However, as Jesus said, really only one thing is needed. Mary understood her most important need and sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to him. That is all we really need - the word of God and the presence of God. When we sit at the Lord’s feet and meditate on his word, we receive the peace and strength we need to serve those he has called us to serve. Our stress and anxiety will be replaced with joy.
