Scripture Focus:Luke 10:38–42; Luke 11:28Psalm 1:1–3
Introduction – A Martha Moment
I remember a season in my life when I realized something about myself while sitting in church. I realized that I was Martha.
At that time, I was involved in many responsibilities and activities in the church. When I arrived each Sunday, I was already moving from one assignment to another. I would begin by teaching my Sunday school class. After Sunday school, I would serve with the visitors ministry. When that ended, I would often continue conversations with members about other church work—planning for Women’s Day, discussing ticket sales and promotional activities, coordinating preparedness programs for intrusion alerts, and participating on committees reviewing church bylaws.
There was always something to discuss. I knew many people in the church, and we would stand in the foyer talking. The interesting thing was that we could still hear the service while we were there. The sermon was playing on the monitors, and we could hear the choir singing and the prayers being lifted while we continued our conversations and handled church business outside the sanctuary.
Then one Sunday, the pastor preached about Martha.
He talked about how Martha was busy running around, frustrated that no one else seemed as busy as she was. She believed she was doing important work, yet she missed something greater. Her sister Mary had chosen to sit and listen to Jesus. Martha, however, was so occupied with tasks that she failed to recognize the value of simply being present with the Lord.
As I stood in the foyer listening to that sermon through the monitor, something struck me.
I remember stopping in the middle of a conversation and looking up at the screen thinking, Wait… did he just call my name? Is he talking to me?
In that moment, both of us stopped talking and looked at each other. Without saying a word, we both realized the same thing.
We were Martha.
That was my Martha moment.
Right there in the foyer, I told myself something needed to change. I realized that while the work of the church is important, it should never replace time with the Lord. Eventually, after those projects were completed, I intentionally began shifting my focus so that my service flowed from my relationship with God rather than replacing it.
That is what this scripture reminds me of.
Guiding Question
Are people sometimes so busy managing the responsibilities and commitments of life that they overlook the importance of nurturing their relationship with God?
Lesson Focus
Growth in every area of life cannot fully develop until there is a stable spiritual foundation. True growth, focus, and purpose begin when we intentionally turn our attention toward God and make our relationship with Him the center of our lives.
I have three points for today’s lesson.
Point One: Choosing What Matters Most Scripture Focus: Luke 10:38–42 Spiritual growth begins when we choose time with God over constant activity and allow His word to shape our priorities.
Point Two: Hearing and Living the Word Scripture Focus: Luke 11:28 Growth happens when we not only hear God’s word but also live it out through our daily actions and decisions.
Point Three: Positioning Yourself for Lasting Growth Scripture Focus: Psalm 1:1–3 A life rooted in God’s guidance and reflection on His word becomes stable, fruitful, and able to grow in every season.
