Description

Today's Scripture reading comes from Luke 10:40, quoting from the NASB:

"But 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!'"

Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary (her sister) to help her in the flurry of preparation that accompanies preparing for guests. This Scripture prompts important questions for consideration: When do you surge and go all out to achieve a task? When should you pull back for contemplation, admiration, appreciation or just rest?

However, you respond to those questions, Mary's action, "…Seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word" (see Luke 10:39), presents an important consideration as we go about our busy lives and full schedules.

For me, a fine line exists between activity and my spiritual act of service. I would like to think that everything I do is a by-product of the service I offer the Lord. Well, not so fast. As someone once said: "When your activity consumes your time and energies so that you have no time for Him, you have become too busy!"

How are you doing when it comes to sorting through the competing priorities in your life? What's your battle rhythm? The one who goes all out but fails to recognize appropriate times to slow the surge and experience the presence of the Lord might be exhibiting the "Martha, Martha" syndrome.

Read Jesus' gentle yet pointed response to Martha's request: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (see Luke 10:41-42).

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

1. First, a leader's daily activities are wrapped in priorities, and it is essential to make the right choice at the right time. Mary knew when to busy herself and when to be still. What about you? When you go into the Lord's presence, do you sit patiently at His feet in admiration of Him?
2. Second, are you able to turn off or adjust your battle rhythm for the renewal and restoration that only comes from being in His presence? Jesus placed a premium on unhurried time and rest with Him.
3. And third, Mary got it right. She pulled back and gave her full, undivided time and attention to the One worthy of her total admiration—even at the risk of disappointing someone who was counting on her. We would do well to follow Mary's lead, which would make us less likely to overlook the people and things that really matter.

// About the narrator

CPT Kira Brown works as an Army Dietitian in Carlisle, PA, striving to keep our senior leaders healthy. She joined OCF during BOLC in 2012 and has consistently attended OCF groups wherever the Army has assigned her (TX, WA, Kuwait, PA).

// Purchase a Copy

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