Many of us might be familiar with the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) where Mary was sitting at Jesus’s feet listening to Him while Martha was busy doing other things…and getting unhappy that Mary was not helping her out. Listening to this passage being preached many times, reminds me that we should seek to be like Mary and not like Martha. 

Looking at Jesus’s reply in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV) “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Reading this again during one of my quiet times gave me the impression that it did not mean that Martha was wrong, it simply meant that at that time, Mary had chosen better. Neither was wrong, but one had chosen better. 

This brings about the nuance of the Christian life, where works (e.g. evangelism, praying, serving) are important and necessary, but ultimately, our relationship with God is the one thing that matters. 

In our daily life or in Church, many of us are like Martha, where we have many things to be worried and upset about. This makes it difficult for us to choose and prioritize. Things do need to be completed but the manner and timing matters. As such, we must remember to choose better like Mary, every day.  

For me, my version of choosing better is to start the day by thanking and worshiping Him. This is regardless of the things that need to be done in the morning when I wake up. Just like Mary, sometimes, we need to focus on one thing that matters, which is to sit at the feet of Jesus. Essentially this means spending time with Jesus which could mean praising, praying, staying still or worshipping Him. 

Will you remember to choose better today?

God bless you,
Ezra Phua
Director, The Encounter