The first time I read about the story of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha’s home was when I was in my teens. As I was reading it, I remember wondering why Martha was wrong to expect Mary to help her out with the preparations. I also thought Mary was being lazy for not actively helping. I didn’t understand the true meaning of this story then.
 
Jesus told Martha that she was worried and upset over many things. Most of us lead hectic lives. Every day is an endless flurry of activities. We are upset with what we have and over what we do not have. We worry about what has been, could have been and will be. But like Martha, our priorities are messed up. Most things that dominate and control our minds and time are unimportant and unnecessary. We could choose to do without most of them.
 
It does not mean that we can be careless in our responsibilities. We still need to fulfil our duties to the best of our abilities wherever God has called and placed us. When we do that, we glorify Christ, our Savior, through our daily dealings. However, let us be discerning like Mary, who knew how to give Jesus her full attention when He is in the house!
 
Mary’s devotion to Jesus kept her focused on being with and connecting with Him. Martha’s sense of responsibility kept her busy with trying to serve Jesus. Ironically, Martha was so preoccupied with hosting Jesus that she neglected to spend time with Him once he arrived. So many of us are like Martha. In our relationship with Jesus, we are so distracted by our doing that we neglect our being. Our devotion to Jesus comes before our duties. Yet, like a stubborn mule, we continually offer our duties when Christ wants our devotion first.
 
When all is said and done with our lives here, we will be meeting Jesus. The only thing that truly matters when that time comes is our relationship with Jesus. Everything else is left behind in the grave. Don’t let anything get in our way of knowing Christ! The end is truly closing in. Jesus is gathering His sheep.
 
As we begin this week, let’s get our priorities in order. Let’s remember that our being produces a Christ-centered life, leading to an outflow of our deeds. What are the many things that you are anxious about? How can you surrender everything to Jesus and focus on only the priorities? Will you live out your devotion to Jesus in every area of your life? Jesus promises that our devotion to Him will never be taken away from us!