Only One Thing is Needed

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ 41 But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing.[a] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’

In Luke 10:38-452, we read the story of Martha. She is loved by Jesus and reminded by him in her busyness that the most critical thing is relationship, relationship with God and others. How often do we brush aside personal worship or connecting with friends and family of those around us because our focus is on the tasks and all that we have to do? Jesus gently helped Martha realise her priorities needed to shift back to what matters. Work is essential, but when it becomes the focus, the idol, the thing that most fills our time and thoughts and requires all our energy, we head for emotional and spiritual bankruptcy.

Could you take a moment to meditate on the words “only one thing is needed”, relationship. Being connected to God and people fills our souls, anchors us in love and purpose, and leads us toward wholeness. Bring your life before God and ask him if anything needs to change or shift regarding your relationship with work and how it may impact you and your connections. Jesus invites us into his rest free from striving where we are accepted, loved and given grace. Could you allow him to carry your burdens and lighten your load today by prioritising relationships? It makes all the difference.