41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
We would all do well to replace Martha’s name with our own and memorize these two verses as I believe Jesus continues to speak to our hearts today regarding this exact same issue – priorities! It does matter the choices we make! It does matter how we live! Scripture tells us: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15-16 (NIV)
“Put everything you have into the care of your heart, for it determines what your life amounts to.” Dallas Willard Each day dawns brimming full of choices. Some are no brainers - it is usually no problem deciding between blatant right and wrong yet, oftentimes, our choices are between things that are both intrinsically good. Bill Bright used to say that “You know you are far along in your Christian walk when you are choosing between something good and something better or best”. As in our verses for today, Martha was choosing between serving the Master (which we are called to do) or listening and learning from the Master (which we are also called to do). This is not easy and certainly our actions can be misunderstood – all the more reason we must know at a core level what our priorities in life are or, to state it a bit differently, what is the most important thing. If we do not have this set in our hearts – a resolute mindset so to speak – we will fall for the tyranny of the urgent every time. Are our choices made against the backdrop of our priorities or do we live by just putting out fires or rushing to the loudest cry? Are our priorities God’s priorities? These are important questions to ponder. Make a list of your priorities then record how you spend your time, resources and talents and see if they match up. Oftentimes we espouse one thing and live another. I am tired of deluding myself; I would rather get this right. A life is a terrible thing to waste! Scripture teaches us we are not to fret (be worried and upset) about anything. Paul in Philippians tells us: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Worry is an intrusion into God’s providence.” John Haggai Worry is an affront to God and shows a definite lack of trust. Rather than worry we are called to pray with thanksgiving. Worry demonstrates a thought process that we somehow believe we are in control whether we say it verbally or not! Peace residing in a heart, particularly in dire circumstances, demonstrates our trust in Him who spoke the world into being. This is not to imply that we are to sit around doing nothing for we are also told: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Col 3:23-24 (NIV)
Yet it is when work crosses over to worry that we stumble. We work as unto the Lord and we rest in Him for the results. This is stated all throughout Scripture. 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Prov 16:9 (NIV) 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love - Psalms 33:13-18 (NIV)
The best way for us to handle the sin of work crossing over to worry is to stop, pray with thanksgiving and ask God to take captive our every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Sometimes this has to be repeated many times to regain peace. Yet God is always faithful. His desire is for us to depend on Him. His desire is to lead us to victory: 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:57 (NIV)
“If the Father has the kingdom ready for us, He will take care of us on the way.” Andrew Bonar