Matthew chapter 23 verse 23 (NIV)
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former…”
Luke Chapter 10 verses 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 few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had shifted their focus. They got caught up with certain aspects of service so that they could be seen to be keeping the law. But Jesus rebuke them for having lost sight of what was really important.
When we read of the account of Jesus discussion with Martha, He gives her a gentler rebuke, but tells her not to get caught up in serving as opposed to focusing on Him.
We too can get so focused on serving Jesus through doing things, even though these are good things in themselves, that we take our eyes off Him. Let’s remember what Jesus taught Martha.
Dear Lord,
Help me to get my priorities right in the balance of service and worship. Help me to be like Mary and choose the better way. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.