"There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." -Luke 10:42 

Martha was very good at what she was doing. She knew she wanted to serve. She cooked, she ministered, she accommodated the Teacher and the other guests. She moved diligently. Martha was concerned about all the important people to serve. She had much to do. Then she saw her sister who was just sitting. "How could she? Doesn't she know I'm doing so much work? All the work on me!" she must've thought, as she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help and work. Yet Jesus' loving reply to Martha wasn't a response she might have anticipated after all the good works she did, "Mary chose the better thing and it will not be taken away from her." 

I have worked full time in church and it has always been a privilege and a blessing. However, in my early years, I found myself overly engrossed in accomplishing tasks that I let my heart get too familiar with the Word being spoken off of the pulpit. I lost focus on what was of real value. I recall feeling so exhausted, bitter and I started comparing myself to others. I remember stopping and taking a moment to ask myself, "Chuckie, why are you doing all these things? Why are you even here? Would you like to go on like this?" The Lord brought into my remembrance falling in love with Him, hearing His call to follow Him... how it all began. Back then, how eager I was to do anything big or small and to be under the teaching of any minister of God. It brought back a passion inside of me, which sadly, I have allowed to grow cold while working and doing ministry! How thankful I am for God's grace. His loving nudges getting us back into the right direction.

Luke 10:38-42 is not an excuse for Christians to be lazy. Rather, it is an encouragement to prioritize the Master, our first love. He's not after what we can do, what He truly wants is our hearts. He longs to spend quality time with us. It is an honor and a privilege to be in His sweet presence. 

If you find yourself comparing yourself to others, feeling bitter and finding resentment in your heart while doing "good works", it would be fine time to take a breather and ask yourself, "Why do I do the things that I do?" You might be surprised to discover many answers. 

May Jesus Christ be the only reason why we do the things that we do. Beloved, be moved by His love. Better yet, relax. Spend time with Him and fall in love.

Come,  I will show you real rest." -Jesus