The end of the year always brings a lot of time to think. Usually, our thoughts turn towards how we can achieve the goals we set for the year. Did we lose the amount of weight we wanted to? Did we read as many books as we wanted to? How did we do with our spiritual disciplines? Did we pass the Bible reading plan? When we look back at our year in review, we tend to think about all the things we “did.” But do we ever think about how we “used to be”?
We see this in the Bible through the story of Mary and Martha. The letter copy shares the story in a wonderful way.
“As they continued their journey, Jesus entered a village. A woman named Martha welcomed him and made him feel at home. She had a sister named Maryam, who used to sit in front of the teacher, listening to every word he said. But Martha withdrew from everything she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she intervened and interrupted them. “Sir, don’t you care that my sister left the kitchen to me? Tell her to help me. The master said, “Martha, my dear Martha, you are bothering yourself too much and worrying yourself about nothing.” There is only one thing necessary, and Mary has chosen it—it is the main course, and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10:38-42
Martha was “withdrawn” by all she had to do. I felt things had to be done to show hospitality to Jesus. She was so concerned with her “to-do list” that she began to become bitter with Mary over her lack of help. But Christ mentioned that Mary found the essential thing. The statement in the letter is that Mary chose the “main course.” What Martha was doing wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the best thing. Jesus valued attendance more than performance. What if Martha was so focused on her accomplishments that she was neglecting her relationship?
As we move into the new year and start thinking about the things we want to accomplish, do, and achieve; Do we ever think about how we want to “be”? Are we so focused on our goals that we miss the opportunity to truly grow closer to Christ? While setting goals and being ambitious is never a bad thing, could we be missing out on the “high road” for next year?
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Make the Moments Matter. Click here to follow her on Facebook!
Last updated on December 30, 2024
