Luke 10:41,42

Continuing on the subject of focusing on "One Thing" let's consider Luke 10:41,42 (NIV) - "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." There are 'good' things and there are 'better' things - often we settle for many good things at the expense of the better thing. Jesus was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha and the passage says that Martha was distracted by the 'many things' that needed to be done, (cleaning, preparation of meal, hospitality, etc.) while Mary was focused on 'one thing', sitting at Jesus' feet listening intently. These verses are in response to Martha's request for Mary to leave her 'one thing' and help her sister with the work of 'many things'. Jesus tells Martha that her preoccupation with the many things had her worried and upset. Isn't that what happens to us when we get caught up in the many good things and neglect the one thing that is better? May we with wisdom, ponder, evaluate, and choose the 'one thing' that is needed. Choose carefully. Don't forsake the important thing for the anxiety for the urgent things.