One Thing Is Needed

Pause & Reflect

Martha was serving. Service itself was not the problem. The text says she became distracted by much serving. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened. Jesus said she had chosen the better portion. This passage is not an argument that contemplative personalities are more spiritual than practical women. Martha's service mattered. But service had become distraction. It is possible to become so busy doing things for Jesus that we stop being attentive to Jesus. Ministry can do this. Family responsibility can do this. Even a devotional project can do this. Productivity cannot replace presence. Before asking: “What must I accomplish today?” learn also to ask: “Am I listening to Jesus?”