Empty Nets & Broken Lives Sample

Pursuing ‘One Thing’ Above All Else

Martha jumped at the opportunity to host Jesus in her home. Like every good hostess, she wanted Jesus to feel welcomed, well-fed and comfortable. But while Martha was busy making preparations around the house, Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet and hung on his every word. In typical sisterly fashion, Martha tattled on her sister and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).

“The Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). 

Only one thing was necessary, and it wasn’t service, it was worship. Jesus wasn’t asking Martha to neglect her responsibilities, but he was poking at her priorities. While serving Jesus is wonderful, it must come first and foremost from a heart of worship. 

Maybe we’re quick to defend Martha because this story pokes at our priorities too? After all, didn’t Martha’s hospitality make it possible for her sister to sit there and listen? How could they enjoy a meal together later, if someone wasn’t there to fix it now? 

How often do we trade that which is fleeting and temporary for that which would bless us forever? Martha was anxious about many temporal things, while Mary sat transfixed on the eternally significant words of Jesus. Do we prioritize serving to our own detriment, and neglect the ‘one thing’ our souls crave the most - time with Jesus?

Can you narrow your life’s purpose down to one thing? Often our ‘one thing’ can get buried underneath lots of lesser things that need our attention right now. Living a ‘one thing’ kind of life requires discernment to choose the best thing, over lots of good things. The story of Martha and Mary reminds us that the one thing we need more than service to others is a heart ready to worship.