The other day I was picking up a medicine for one of the children. I went by the CVS, got in the drive through line, and went through the whole exchange. CVS has pretty good service so it went fast. The only thing that caught me off guard was the UNNECESSARY receipt that was a mile long. Why? Why in the world waste all that paper? Why advertise for things I’m not going to look at. I was at my wit’s end over that one, for sure (pardon the pun). All we’re looking for is the record of exchange, not the coupon for the shampoo we’re not going to buy.
‘Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”’ —Luke 10:38-42
Like the receipt with all the unnecessary information, Martha was distracted by the wrong things. She had Jesus RIGHT THERE in her living room, but she was focused on the unnecessary. Mary sat and took it all in, listening to the words and stories of Jesus—from His own mouth. But Martha…
There’s plenty of things that need to be done, things that need to be taken care of, but do they need your attention while Jesus is right in front of you? What is it that matters RIGHT NOW? Jesus has made Himself available to us, manifesting His presence, which means we have access to His power and grace, so why not push to the side all that is unnecessary and focus on the great exchange between you and your Savior?
What things might be unnecessary in your life today? Will you focus on Jesus and push all else to the side in order to enjoy the blessings of God? Do it now, while He’s close and calling!
—Pastor Whit