“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 only one thing is needed.’ Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” - Luke 10:38-42

I am one of those who loves to do, so I completely understand Martha and her frustration with Mary. After all, there is so much to get done. Work, ministry, family and relationships. They are all important, and for years I lived with very little margin. I was distracted by all the activities and too often neglected the necessity of just being rather than always doing.

Those who are driven by action often forget the importance of just being. Being still so one can think. Being still with God so that we can hear His voice when He wants to communicate. Doing what the Lord  says through the prophets when they write, “Be still and know that I am God.” In fact, many of us don’t even know how to do that. We are so action oriented and want to accomplish something.

But listen to what Jesus said to Martha. “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord says kindly. ‘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.’” 

Here is what Jesus was saying to Martha: “Being” comes before doing. Relationship with Jesus is more important than anything we could do for Him. He desires us to “be with Him” before we do things “for” Him.

Why does Jesus say, “Mary has chosen what is better?” Mary wanted to know Jesus and understand Him. Martha wanted to do things for Him. When we are with Him and get to know Him, our hearts start to look like His heart and our priorities start to reflect His priorities. In fact, the very question Martha asked Jesus indicated that she didn’t get the magic of being in His presence - or the value that it brought to her life. 

I don’t fault Martha one bit. It is how many of us view our relationship with Jesus. We want to do something for Him. But it is when we spend time with Him in His word and in prayer or meditation that we catch a real glimpse of His heart, and therefore what our hearts should be like.

Who do you identify with in this account? Mary or Martha? If it is Mary, you understand the value of spending time with Jesus. If it is Martha, you probably struggle with that concept. I think that most men do. As I did. I had to learn how to just be still with God and be OK with that. It has changed me. I am still a person of action, but now my action comes out of my relationship with Him.

Father, thank You for these real life examples of Martha and Mary. In my desire to please You, help me not to neglect just being with You. Teach me that this is the better thing. Amen.