”Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.” -Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

How timely it is to be reminded on “what really matters?”. Of course, the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), with the emphasis on Mary’s choice of what is better - i.e. to sit at the feet of Jesus as his learner and student, has been used as a guilt inducing whip on the activist and busy person in all of us. I doubt that is the purpose of Jesus words.

Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, it is clear that sitting at his feet to learn and going out into the world to serve are not mutually exclusive. It’s a matter of timing, focus, rhythm. And those of us who are spinning more than one plate and wearing multiple hats are well aware of how distracted we can become in the midst of so much movement in our everyday life. Like Martha, the problem with us may be less about the activities we are involved in but the inner battles that rage within us; where we are “worried and upset about many things.” And that’s draining, tiring, frustrating. In addition to that it’s easy to lose our focus on what’s important in the grand scheme of things.

There is a big majority of Christians who need a big kick in the behind to help them leap out from their comfort zones and “do something” or at least cut down their “whining” (if they can’t stop). There are also those who are in the thick of so much activity, whether it’s trying to make a difference in the world, or caught up with the affairs of the world. Both can’t claim any superiority in their position because both need to refocus, and Jesus waits for you even now.

After we sit with Jesus for a little while, hear his voice once again (especially through the words of the Bible), and meditate on our daily work and efforts through his lens by the Spirit, then we can plunge in again, not just doing our work right, but with all clarity, doing the right work! Stuff that really matters…

Sivin Kit is the lead pastor of Bangsar Lutheran Church, Husband of one wife, and Father of three kids, he enjoys cultivating his imaginary garden at http://sivinkit.net/ and is addicted to potato chips!

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