Discerning Priorities, Day 4

Scriptures are taken from Luke 10:38-42 ~

The fourth day of discerning our priorities:

38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But 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!"

41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

The Message ~
38-40As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

41-42The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

I think there is much to be learned about this passage. As a female, I want to provide my guests with the best and this used to often mean getting things ready while folks are visiting. Being a Martha is common for women. Some fifteen years ago we had guests in our home and I was agonizing in the kitchen over the "perfect" meal. The wife came into the kitchen and gave me a wonderful lesson in hospitality. Hospitality has nothing to do with food, but with the presence and fellowship. Most who now come for a meal, there is a casserole or one pot meal rather than fifty-eleven different things. While I will use my best dishes I rarely "go to trouble" anymore, but rather do my best to make people feel at home and spend as much time with those in attendance as I can. The priority is the people, not the food.

Happy Thursday everyone

Good post. I still go to trouble, but make sure everything is ready when the guests arrive. But I have learned, the hard way, that if people "drop in" I no longer try to rush around picking up. I figure if they came to see my house, they deserve what they see, but if they came to visit with me, then I'm more than happy to sit with them and visit.

I think it's important to remember that that is what Jesus wants us to do, sit and visit with him. Don't get so preoccupied with all the pomp and circumstance. Sit and talk with him. Spend time with him. Other things can wait.