THE HEART OF WORSHIP (PART 6)

BUSY MARTHA, WISE MARY

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

Mary and Martha, famous sisters of the Bible, shows us great truths about worship and the significance of A LOVING AND ADORING HEART. Even if we are partially acquainted with the brief story in Luke 10:38-42, we are aware that Martha was definitely a busy person. She wanted the house clean, the food just right, and details taken care of to make her guests feel comfortable. We could say Martha was much like many of us.
In this passage, we see that Martha's sister Mary was unconcerned with all that had to be done. We are sure Mary completely frustrated her sister. After all, isn't it the polite thing to do to help with the most pressing task? There is a vital truth at work here. Mary was able to distinguish the important (priority) from the urgent.
(Do we give in to the urgent before considering what is most important?) Mary was aware that the moment with Jesus was precious. She was in tune with the fact that God was present. Jesus, the Messiah, was in her home, and she wanted to give her undivided and focused attention to the LORD
Martha couldn't stand it any longer! She exclaimed, "'LORD, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.' But the LORD answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:40-42).
True, we all have special gifts and abilities that God uses for His glory. Martha could have had the gift of hospitality, while Mary had another. What most concern about this Scripture is that very few will let pressing or urgent details be set aside momentarily to focus on the most important concern:
- to love and worship God, 
- to sit at His feet, 
- to be in His presence, 
- to spend time with Him, and 
- to know Christ more intimately. 
Very few have nurtured their relationship with God to have such discernment. 
God desires our love and worship. When our lives are full of busyness, or responsibility, it hinders us, and we are guilty of not choosing what is best, what God wants for us. Jesus said, "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." Mary chose what was best. She chose to set her gaze on God; she had A LOVING AND ADORING HEART.
Let us chose to make the important, rather than the urgent, a priority. Set our gaze upon God. Look into His eyes. Feel His presence. Know His love for us. WORSHIP HIM!
(an extract from: A Seeking Heart - Rediscovering True Worship by Alicia Williamson & Sara Groves)