Today I discuss work vs. worship. Mary and Martha are often contrasted as though each believer must make a choice: be a worker like Martha or a worshiper like Mary. It seems evident that the Lord wants each of us to imitate Mary in our worship and Martha in our work. Blessed are the balanced!

Few things are as damaging to the Christian life as trying to work for Christ without taking time to commune with Christ. “For without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Mary chose the better part, the part that could not be taken from her. She knew that she could not live “by bread alone” (Matt. 4:4).

 

The key is to have the right priorities: Jesus Christ first, then others, then ourselves. It is vitally important that we spend time “at the feet of Jesus” every single day, letting Him share His Word with us. 

 

The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees.

 

Luke 10:38 - 42 (NASB)

38Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 

39She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 

40But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 

41But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 

42but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”