Real Hope: The Art of ListeningSample

One Thing Is Needed

In this Bible story (Luke 10: 38-42), Martha was distracted with all the preparations while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet listening to what He had to say. We can all hear, but listening is intentional! 

The more Martha watched her sister while she was preparing the meal, the more annoyed she got. I’m guessing that Martha could have quite easily heard what Jesus was teaching if she simply lifted her eyes onto Jesus instead of on her sister. Jesus said to Martha in verses 41–42, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’ Mary was receiving from the ‘Word of Life’ (refer 1 John 1:1). 

So often we are so focused on trying to please God with our to-do list, that we don’t realise He is more pleased when we simply take time out to sit with Him and listen to His Words. We must put first things first. Loving God is our first priority, and then everything else will fall into place.

written by HEIDI WYSMAN