Last Updated on June 25, 2018 by OCF Communications

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'” (Luke 10:40).

MMartha asked Jesus to tell Mary (her sister) to help her in the flurry of preparation that accompanies preparing for guests. This Scripture prompts important questions for consideration: When do you surge and go all out to achieve a task? When should you pull back for contemplation, admiration, appreciation, or just rest? However you respond to those questions, Mary’s action seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word, presents an important consideration as we go about our busy lives and full schedules.

For me, a fine line exists between activity and my spiritual act of service. I would like to think that everything I do is a by-product of the service I offer to the Lord. Well, not so fast! As someone once said, “When your activity consumes your time and energies so that you have no time for Him, you have become too busy!”

How are you doing when it comes to sorting through the competing priorities in your life? What’s your battle rhythm? The one who goes all out but fails to recognize appropriate times to slow the surge and experience the presence of the Lord might be exhibiting the Martha-Martha-busy syndrome. Read Jesus’ gentle, yet pointed, retort to Martha’s request: “Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

As a leader, your daily activities are wrapped in priorities, and it is essential you make the right choice at the right time. Mary knew when to busy herself and when not to. What about you? When you go into the Lord’s presence, do you sit patiently at His feet in admiration of Him?

Are you able, as Mary did, to turn off or adjust your battle rhythm for the renewal and restoration that only comes from being in His presence? Jesus placed a premium on unhurried time with Him.

Mary got it right, she pulled back and gave her full, undivided time and attention to the One worthy of her total admiration-even at the risk of disappointing someone who was counting on her. We would do well to follow Mary’s lead. When we do, we are less likely to overlook the people and things that really matter.

Today is a great time to practice sitting at Jesus’ feet!