Wednesday, April 15, 2009
One Thing Is Needful
(Luke 10:38-42)
Personal revival includes generous time spent in the presence of the Lord. Our lifestyles do not cater to spiritual growth because we are too busy. Like Martha of old, we are “troubled about many things.” Even good things can rob us of the best and most important opportunities. That’s why sticking to right priorities can be so elusive—it seems like everything is a top priority! That’s simply not true.
Martha struggled the same way we do today. The Bible uses the colorful term “cumbered” to describe her workload. The word means both to “hinder” and to “burden.” Jesus accused Martha of being hindered because she was overburdened with incidentals (41). She had come to view everything as a “top priority” and, in so doing, she was about to miss the opportunity of a lifetime—fellowship with the incarnate Son of God!
When the burdens of life overwhelm us, we must remember the caution of Jesus: He said only “one thing is needful”—fellowship with Him. Rather than being careful and troubled about the incidentals, Mary chose to spend time in the presence of Christ. And Jesus commended her choice.
What of Martha’s burdens? They’re long gone and forgotten. The meals, house cleaning, chores, hectic routine—all gone—passed into the dust of the ages. What of Mary’s time spent in fellowship with Christ? Jesus said, “Mary that chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary prioritized her life based on eternal values. Let’s be wise like Mary and, in the midst of hectic lives, choose the good part.
