I am not a multi-tasker. Unlike some people, my brain is wired to be “one-task-focused.” For example, if I am reading something and Jo comes in to say something, I know I have to put down what I’m reading and give her my undivided attention. Not because she demands it (she doesn’t) but because I know I will not hear a word she says if I don’t. Besides, it’s rude. 🙂
Same goes for the TV. She knows she has to mute it if she wants to converse with me. If I’m visiting someone, I have to ask them to either mute the TV or shut it off so I am not distracted. Fun fact: I used to tell my parents that I could listen to the radio or the record player while studying. Not true and my grades prove it! 🙂
Martha and Mary found themselves as competing sisters in Luke 10. Not overtly, like in feuding. Let’s be kind and say Martha made it that way. While Mary calmly sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him teach, Martha hustled around the house trying to get a meal together. She complained to Jesus about Mary’s lack of help and Jesus said, “Martha, Martha (I’ll refrain from using it a third time), you are worried about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken from her.” (verses 41-42). I like the way the NLT translates those verses: “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 once heard it put this way: We fail to miss what Paul said in Phil. 3:13-“this one thing I do.” He didn’t say, ‘These 12 things I dabble in.” Pursue Jesus. Prioritize Him and your time with Him. May knowing Him be your ultimate pursuit, your first desire. You won’t be sorry.
This is so true, Bill. We have discovered in churches it want to do many many things, none of them are done well Dick always says that it is better to do three projects to their very best than to attempt six or eight projects and do them poorly. And, of course, the main object always has to be drawing others to Jesus.
Totally agree with Dick, Pam. We often try to do too many things and be all things to all people that we fail in doing just one thing right. And I say a hearty AMEN to your final sentence.
I suspect it isn’t just me that has a continual tug of war with myself when striving to make Jesus the priority all the time. I know that is what we are called to do, but living in a fallen world definitely doesn’t make it easy. The distractions seem to come continually and I tend to even make my own distractions. Thankful that when the distractions come and get me off course, God continuously provides a way back on path through Jesus.
WOW your honesty is good Ryan because I can relate to it! Even as a pastor it is not always that easy staying focused on the right thing all the time. Too many distractions. I’m grateful God gently (usually) draws me back.
If we pursue Jesus as first and foremost always, what an amazing impact we could have on the world. If I am honest, I can see every bad decision, every bad action, I left Jesus out. It is easy to say I want to have Jesus first and the Lord of my life, but I have to work at that every day and all day. I wish it came super easy but it does not. I have to wake up each day, surrender, and pray to keep the Lord first, then put in the work to do that, through scripture, prayers, and constant communication with God. I am not successful always, but I will not have any success at all if I do not work at it each day.
True words Gail. I have made so many bad decisions I have trouble looking back, but I can say with you that I left Jesus out when I did make that decision. It is a constant tug of war.
Wonderful lesson here today, Bill. Poor Martha! Trying to do what she thinks is the right thing and getting it all wrong. Still, Jesus treats her with love and respect.
Blessings!
You are so right in all respects Martha! I love what you said about Jesus treating her with love and respect in spite of…
I’m glad I’m not alone!!! I don’t exactly WANT to be a busy body, but I surely am!
Nope. You are not alone. It is common to most of us Ed. It is a dubious club to belong to.
I can surely relate to both Mary and Martha and when I emulate Mary more than Martha, I have a much more productive day. It’s funny how we think we have no time to pray and commune with Him, but if we take the time to do that, we end up having enough time to do everything else we think is so important. God’s economy works, not only in our finances, but in our time and all other areas of life, too.
You’re right Cheryl. Being like Mary foes give a more productive day. The other way (work then try to spend time with Jesus) spells disaster for me