My Name is Mary, but I was a Martha
But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.— Luke 10:42 (NKJV)
For years, I was a Martha.
I was busy serving, doing, helping, and making sure everything was taken care of. I wanted to be faithful to what God had called me to do. There was always something that needed my attention, someone who needed my help, or a task that needed to be completed.
And somewhere in the middle of doing all those things, I had to learn that being busy for Jesus is not the same as being present with Jesus.
In Luke 10, we meet two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, but while Mary sat at His feet listening to His Word, Martha became distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
Martha was serving Jesus, but Mary was sitting with Jesus.
How often do we find ourselves in Martha’s position? We love the Lord. We want to serve Him. We desire to fulfill our assignments and be faithful to the people He has entrusted to us. Yet, in our desire to do everything for Him, we can neglect the most important thing: spending time with Him.
Jesus did not rebuke Martha for serving. He addressed her anxiety and distraction. Her many responsibilities had pulled her attention away from the One who was right there in her home.
I had to learn that I could not allow the demands of ministry, family, and everyday life to take the place of intimacy with my Father.
I had to move from doing for Him to being with Him.
Mary understood something that Martha was struggling to see in that moment: His presence was more important than the preparations.
There is a time to serve, a time to work, and a time to fulfill our assignments. But there must also be a time when we lay everything down and sit at His feet.
We cannot continually pour out what we have not allowed Him to pour into us.
Perhaps you have been a Martha, too. You have been faithful, dependable, and willing to help. You have carried responsibilities and cared for others. But today, the Father is inviting you to draw near, not because you have completed everything on your list, but because He desires your heart.
You do not have to earn His love through your service. You are already loved.
My name is Mary. I was a Martha. But I am learning to choose the good part.
I am learning to slow down, listen for His voice, rest in His presence, and allow Him to minister to me before I minister to others.
Today, I choose His presence over pressure, intimacy over busyness, and listening over striving.
What about you?
Reflection Questions
Have I allowed the demands of life or ministry to distract me from spending time with the Father?
Am I serving from a place of intimacy with Jesus or striving to get everything done?
What do I need to lay down today so I can sit at His feet?
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I have become so consumed with doing things for You that I have neglected simply being with You. Teach me to recognize when I am distracted, anxious, or striving in my own strength. Help me choose the good part, to sit at Your feet, listen to Your voice, and receive Your love. Realign my heart with Yours. Let my service flow from intimacy, not obligation, and may my life reflect a heart that delights in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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