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August 7, 2024
- By Ed Powell
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"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
It's amazing how we get caught up in "many things." Some things are necessary, beneficial, and a blessing. Many things are a hassle, unproductive, time consuming, and hinder the effectiveness of our life. Jesus had been invited to the house of Martha, who wanted to be a blessing to Jesus and provide Him with the rest and nourishment He needed. In the course of preparing and serving, Martha became unduly concerned that Mary was not helping her, but was occupied with listening to Jesus, seated at His feet.
ONE THING IS NEEDED. What is it? It is the CARE OF THE SOUL! Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words. This is the thing Martha complained about, and the one thing applauded by the Lord. Martha's attitude was excessive and unreasonable. Because of her anxiety about this minor concern of having Mary help her, she lost the opportunity of being at the feet of Jesus to hear His words for the benefit of her soul.
The interests of our soul should be the focus of our hearts and minds daily...receiving and responding to His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. How imperative it is for us that Christ be the concern of our hearts, the foundation of our life, and the goal of our walk. ONE THING IS NEEDED...to have the things of time and sense entirely subservient to and in submission of the things of the soul.
How does this relate to us? This ONE THING is needed more than any other under heaven. Whatever relates to the world can be done for you...but, no one can act for you in regard to your relationship with God. This must be attended to by yourself. Without your deliberate response to it, you cannot be "approved of God or accepted by Him." Without this ONE THING you cannot have the peace "of" God, or be at peace "with" God. You cannot have eternal life that is in Christ because you have neglected the ONE THING needed that concerns your soul.
Jesus speaks of two things in commending Mary. First, Mary has "chosen what is better." Second, it is "permanent...it shall not be taken away from her."
Mary's "spiritual concern" is better than Martha's "much doing." The world cries out against spiritual concerns and derides the believer who pursues them. If we would question those who have gone on before as to how they think of this ONE THING, I venture to say, each one would place imperative concern on this important issue that needs our attention now!
Jesus referred to its permanency. If your life is characterized by the virtues of spiritual things? How eternally blessed you are. Who can deprive you of these things? God will not, and no other can. "Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven...for where your treasure is, there will be your heart also" (Matthew 6:19-21).
May there be one determination in our hearts...to persevere in devoting ourselves unreservedly to God...and be conscious of the ONE THING NEEDED! Choose "what is better" and adhere to it under all circumstances. Sit now with Mary "at the feet of Jesus." You shall receive His applauding words, and one day be seated with Him around the throne of glory.
© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.
This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-08-07&print=1
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